Philly v. Burgum

Philadelphia challenges Burgum's Interior policies as arbitrary and capricious under the APA, alleging that the acceleration of energy development and rollback of environmental protections were undertaken without reasoned decision-making or adequate environmental review. The city must show that the Interior Department either ignored relevant data regarding air quality, water, and public health impacts, or failed to provide a rational explanation for departing from Biden-era environmental standards. Under the applicable APA and NEPA standards, the court will scrutinize whether the agency followed required procedural steps and addressed environmental concerns before altering land designations, approving permits, or rescinding protections. Philadelphia's geographic and economic interests in protecting regional environmental quality and public health establish both Article III standing and a legal interest in the challenged federal action.