Environmentalism

California's Water Resources Control Board approved a revised river flow plan, rebranded the "Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program," aiming to end decades of conflict over dividing water between farms and fish habitat. Gov. Gavin Newsom hoped to claim the deal as a legacy achievement before leaving office, clearing the way for a planned Delta tunnel project. Instead, agricultural water agencies say the final plan is too regulatory and have withdrawn support, while environmental groups argue it still fails to protect the Delta and Bay Area. Both sides are expected to pursue legal challenges, reviving long-standing questions over whether state regulation can override historic water rights. The Trump administration's Bureau of Reclamation has also criticized the plan as federal overreach.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is fighting a records request for a draft agenda reportedly showing plans to discuss, behind closed doors, the disposition of over 1,000 acres of Cameron County land including Boca Chica State Park, near SpaceX's Starbase operations. The item was pulled from the final November meeting agenda after reporting surfaced, and the agency asked the Texas Attorney General to block release of the draft, citing deliberative-process exemptions. Gov. Greg Abbott, who appoints commissioners and has received major donations from Elon Musk, said a sale vote isn't imminent. Environmental groups, the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe, and local lawmakers oppose any transfer of the park, long called "the people's beach."

A Franklin County Common Pleas judge has ruled that Ohio lawmakers acted unconstitutionally when they used a budget bill to eliminate the state's Air Nuisance Rule, which lets residents sue polluters for violations of the federal Clean Air Act. Judge Julie M. Lynch found the provision, along with a related restriction on using low-cost air monitors for evidence, violated Ohio's one-subject rule for legislation, rejecting the state's argument that eliminating the rule would meaningfully affect the budget. Environmental groups including the Ohio Environmental Council and Sierra Club had sued over the changes. The ruling reinstates protections for "fenceline" communities near polluters, though lawmakers could still attempt repeal through a constitutional process.

Six landowners and the nonprofit Conserve Big Bend, representing roughly 230 additional landowners across five counties, have sued the Department of Homeland Security, CBP, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott in Washington, D.C. federal court to block border wall construction in the Big Bend region of Texas. The suit is part of a broader $46 billion effort to build 30-foot steel bollard walls, vehicle barriers and surveillance infrastructure along the southern border, and seeks an injunction covering the entire region, including barriers inside Big Bend National Park.

Plaintiffs argue DHS unlawfully issued waivers designating Big Bend an area of "high illegal entry," despite the sector accounting for under 1.5% of southwest border apprehensions over five years, and claim landowners' Fifth Amendment due process rights are being violated. Opposition has grown since February, when eminent domain letters went out, drawing bipartisan pushback from sheriffs, officials, tour operators and ranchers who warn the wall would cut off Rio Grande water access, harm tourism, wildlife and sacred sites. Over $7 billion has already been awarded for Big Bend Sector wall contracts.

Landowners, ranchers, and the nonprofit Conserve Big Bend have filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the Trump administration's plans to build border wall and related infrastructure through the Big Bend region of Texas. The suit, backed by dozens of area residents, challenges a $46 billion federal effort to fortify roughly 2,000 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border with steel bollard walls, vehicle barriers, and surveillance technology.

Plaintiffs argue the Department of Homeland Security is misusing its waiver authority, which is meant for areas of "high illegal entry." They cite CBP data showing Big Bend's roughly 500 miles of border account for only about 1% of arrests, and note illegal crossings have dropped further under Trump. The case follows outcry over construction activity spotted near Big Bend National Park in August, which prompted a temporary pause by CBP. Native American groups warn of damage to religious sites, environmentalists cite flooding and wildlife migration concerns, and landowners fear losing access to the Rio Grande for irrigation and livestock. The lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal and political challenges facing the administration's border wall program in Texas.

Dozens of Bridgeport residents and elected officials protested outside Rate Field, urging Amtrak to reconsider a proposed 24/7 maintenance facility near homes and to conduct a full environmental review. The rail company's plan relies on a categorical exclusion from the U.S. Department of Transportation, allowing it to skip a full environmental assessment, despite EPA research linking railyard proximity to respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.

The facility, proposed for a roughly 47-acre dormant railyard stretching from Cermak to Pershing roads, has drawn added scrutiny after Canal Edge, led by White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia, unveiled renderings for a South Loop stadium that would swap locations with Amtrak's current riverfront site. Critics, including Ald. Nicole Lee, say the combined plans threaten the neighborhood's future, especially with the Sox's Rate Field lease expiring in 2029. Amtrak, which has received up to $572 million in federal funding, says the new facility would reduce emissions, noise and light pollution compared to its current operations. Mayoral candidates and other officials joined the protest, and state lawmakers plan to formally urge Amtrak to consider alternative sites.

Dozens of Bridgeport residents and elected officials protested outside Rate Field against Amtrak's proposed 24/7 rail maintenance facility, planned about 100 feet from some homes. The demonstration came days after Canal Edge, the development group led by future White Sox owner Justin Ishbia, released renderings for a South Loop stadium that would effectively swap sites with Amtrak's current riverfront facility near Roosevelt Road. Ald. Nicole Lee, Ald. Pat Dowell, and Cook County Commissioner John Daley warned the combined plans could devastate the neighborhood, especially if the Sox eventually leave Rate Field, whose lease expires in 2029, and urged Amtrak to consider nonresidential alternative sites, including near 47th Street and Western Avenue.

Residents object to Amtrak seeking a categorical exclusion that would let it skip a full federal environmental review, citing health, noise, and property-value concerns. Amtrak says the facility, backed by up to $572 million in federal funding, is needed to modernize its Chicago operations, while Canal Edge is separately conducting a feasibility study for the roughly $900 million stadium project. Rep. Mike Quigley, who met with Amtrak officials, said the railroad's federal preemption powers should not be used to override community objections. Mayor Brandon Johnson said no decisions have been finalized, and Amtrak's board met to discuss the plan.