Resource Renewal Institute v. National Park Service

Three organizations filed a lawsuit in the federal district court for the Northern District of California challenging the National Park Service’s adoption of a General Management Plan amendment that expanded lands open to beef and dairy ranching within Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The complaint asserted violations of the Point Reyes Act, the National Park Service’s Organic Act, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. In support of the NEPA claim, the plaintiffs alleged that the EIS “provided little information about the expected impacts of climate change and largely ignored how ranching will exacerbate these effects,” including expected exacerbation of water quality and water quantity problems.

Agricultural workers Doe 1-8 appeal lower court decision denying their motion to intervene. Appellants sought to participate in the settlement agreement, arguing they had a protectable interest in the subject matter.