Judge extends restrictions on East Potomac golf course work

A federal judge extended restrictions on renovation work at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, barring the Trump administration from removing or damaging more trees while a lawsuit over the project proceeds. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction on Monday, October 26. It also requires the government to give 10 business days’ written notice before making any irreparable modification to East Potomac Park while the case is pending. The order followed the removal of hundreds of trees from the course earlier in October. Reyes found at this preliminary stage that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in arguing that the administration’s actions violated environmental law. She said the government had removed trees despite assurances that it would provide meaningful advance notice. The injunction leaves the underlying legal dispute unresolved; it does not decide whether the proposed redevelopment can ultimately go forward. The case was brought by the D.C. Preservation League and local residents. The plaintiffs argue that the administration’s redevelopment plans require environmental review and would change the character of a historic public course. Federal...