National Environmental Policy Act

Arlington County has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt construction of a 250-foot triumphal arch proposed by President Donald Trump for Memorial Circle, arguing the National Park Service violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to conduct an adequate environmental review. The county's attorney, working with Democracy Forward, says NPS relied on a "cursory and conclusory" environmental assessment to avoid a more detailed impact statement, ignoring harms to historic sites including Arlington National Cemetery and failing to weigh reasonable alternatives.

The county warns the project would worsen traffic congestion affecting emergency routes to Arlington National Cemetery and Reagan National Airport, and increase noise and air pollution. Concerns were heightened after Trump said last month the arch would double as a military complex housing drones, snipers and ammunition, which the county argues raises public-safety risks near commuters and tourists. This is the second lawsuit against the arch, following a February suit alleging it lacks required congressional approval. The arch is among several contested Trump-backed D.C. projects, including a White House ballroom.