Filed Date: April 3, 2025
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
This is a case about the federal government’s failure to respond to public records requests concerning potential rollbacks of vehicle pollution and fuel economy standards. On April 3, 2025, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Represented by private counsel, EDF sought declaratory judgment that DOT and CEQ violated FOIA and an order compelling both agencies to release all requested records. Judge Tanya S. Chutkan was assigned to the case.
EDF’s FOIA requests, submitted to DOT on January 31, 2025, and to CEQ on February 3, 2025, sought records related to agency actions affecting fuel economy standards and vehicle pollution controls. EDF focused on documents concerning Executive Orders 14154 (“Unleashing American Energy”) and 14148 (“Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions”), which directed agencies to review and potentially revise fuel economy standards and domestic energy regulations. EDF also sought records of related agency actions, including a memorandum from the Secretary of Transportation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating plans to weaken fuel economy standards and possibly revoke California’s Clean Air Act waivers.
EDF argued that weakening these standards would increase pollution, raise consumer fuel costs, and extend U.S. dependence on oil. The complaint cited projected benefits of existing standards, including billions in fuel savings, reduced carbon emissions, and public health benefits from improved air quality. EDF emphasized that public access to these records was critical to evaluate the administration’s plans and understand agency interactions with industry stakeholders. Although DOT and CEQ acknowledged receiving EDF’s requests, neither agency provided records or issued determinations within FOIA’s 20-working-day deadline, which EDF alleged unlawfully deprived the public of timely access to vital environmental policy information.
This case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Victoria Tan (7/18/2025)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69841208/parties/environmental-defense-fund-v-us-department-of-transportation/
Chutkan, Tanya Sue (District of Columbia)
Caravello, Samantha R. (District of Columbia)
Hunt, Nathaniel Hemmerick (District of Columbia)
Murphy, Erin Caitlin (District of Columbia)
Horowitz, Brenda A. (District of Columbia)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69841208/environmental-defense-fund-v-us-department-of-transportation/
Last updated Aug. 21, 2025, 9:32 p.m.
State / Territory: District of Columbia
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 1.0 & 2.0 FOIA cases
Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government
Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Environmental Protections)
Key Dates
Filing Date: April 3, 2025
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization focused on climate, air quality, and public health issues
Plaintiff Type(s):
Non-profit NON-religious organization
Public Interest Lawyer: Yes
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
U.S. Department of Transportation (- United States (national) -), Federal
U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (- United States (national) -), Federal
Case Details
Causes of Action:
FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), 5 U.S.C. § 552
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Nature of Relief:
Source of Relief:
Issues
General/Misc.: