Govind Tekale
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Monday against five cabinet-level agencies, aiming to halt the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from taking further action against environmental agencies until it complies with federal transparency laws.
This marks the first legal challenge specifically targeting DOGE’s efforts to reduce or eliminate environmental protection agencies since President Trump’s January 20 executive order established the controversial efficiency department.
Legal Battle Over Environmental Protection
The lawsuit focuses on protecting several key environmental agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Forest Service, among others.
Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity, didn’t mince words about DOGE’s leader, Elon Musk: “Elon Musk and his hacker minions are tearing apart the federal agencies that protect our public lands, keep our air and water clean, and conserve our most cherished wildlife. The public has every right to know why they’re waging this cruel war on our environment.”
Hartl added that “Musk has shown that he can and will destroy a federal agency in a single weekend. If his deranged antics are allowed to continue, we might never be able to fix the damage to America’s environment.”
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Staffing Cuts Already Underway
The lawsuit comes after substantial staff reductions have already been implemented. DOGE has cut approximately:
- 2,300 federal probationary workers from the Interior Department
- 1,000 National Park Service employees
- 800 Bureau of Land Management employees
- 400 Fish and Wildlife Service employees
- 3,400 employees from the Forest Service
- At least 390 employees from the Environmental Protection Agency
These cuts represent roughly 4% of the Interior Department’s entire staff.
Legal Basis for the Challenge
The Center’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that DOGE teams must comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act due to their composition of full-time, part-time, volunteer and special government employees (Musk’s designation).
The complaint alleges that no agency has announced intentions to comply with this transparency law, which applies to advisory committees established by the president.
Broader DOGE Actions Under Scrutiny
Beyond environmental agencies, the lawsuit notes that since its establishment, “Musk and a small number of people have unlawfully dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, unilaterally terminated federal contracts to further the right-wing cultural agenda, attempted to obtain personal data on virtually every person in the country, and driven the mass firing of thousands of federal workers.”
A federal judge is expected to rule on a separate request by 13 U.S. states to temporarily block DOGE from accessing information systems at several federal agencies. Additionally, 14 state attorneys general have filed challenges to Musk’s authority, describing his power as “unprecedented” and potentially threatening to democratic governance.
Federal employee unions have joined the criticism, characterizing Musk’s initiatives as “irresponsible and sophomoric,” particularly his directive requiring weekly accomplishment reports from federal employees with non-compliance resulting in resignation.
Broader Legal Challenges
Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging DOGE’s authority and Musk’s actions. These legal challenges cite violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, suggesting Musk and DOGE have overstepped their legal boundaries.
FAQ:
What is DOGE and who leads it?
DOGE stands for Department of Government Efficiency, a government entity established by President Trump’s January 20, 2025 executive order. It is led by Elon Musk, who holds the designation of “special government employee.”
Which environmental agencies are affected by DOGE’s actions?
The lawsuit aims to protect multiple agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and Federal Aviation Administration.
How many federal employees have been terminated so far?
Approximately 2,300 federal probationary workers from the Interior Department (including 1,000 National Park Service employees, 800 Bureau of Land Management employees, and 400 Fish and Wildlife Service employees), 3,400 employees from the Forest Service, and at least 390 employees from the Environmental Protection Agency have been terminated.
What is the legal basis for the lawsuit against DOGE?
The lawsuit argues that DOGE teams must comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act because they include a mix of full-time, part-time, volunteer, and special government employees. The Act applies to advisory committees established by the president and requires transparency in operations.
Who filed the lawsuit against DOGE?
The Center for Biological Diversity filed the lawsuit against five cabinet-level agencies to stop DOGE from taking further actions against environmental agencies.
Are there other lawsuits challenging DOGE’s authority?
Yes, multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging DOGE’s authority. A separate request by 13 U.S. states seeks to temporarily block DOGE from accessing information systems at federal agencies, and 14 state attorneys general have filed challenges to Musk’s authority, citing violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
