Case: Urban Sustainability Directors Network v. U.S. Department of Agriculture

Urban Sustainability Directors Network v. United States Department of Agriculture

President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump

COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF against AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, JAYE L. HAMBY, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11738210) filed by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons)(Muraskin, David) (Entered: 06/05/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons

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SUMMONS (10) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 06/05/2025)

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK (Muraskin, David) (Entered: 06/05/2025)

STANDING ORDER. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 5, 2025. (lcbah4) (Entered: 06/05/2025)

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Holly Bainbridge, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11739586. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Muraskin, David) (Entered: 06/05/2025)

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Case Assigned to Judge Beryl A. Howell. (zmtm)

NOTICE of Appearance by Holly Bainbridge on behalf of AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK (Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/09/2025)

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING plaintiff's 5 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Ms. Holly Bainbridge may enter an appearance pro hac vice for the purpose of representing plaintiff in this action. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 9, 2025. (lcbah4)

NOTICE of Appearance by Carrie F. Apfel on behalf of AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK (Apfel, Carrie) (Entered: 06/11/2025)

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Benjamin E. Apple, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11772841. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Muraskin, David) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Scott W. Carlson, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11772847. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Muraskin, David) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF against AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, JAYE L. HAMBY, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, AMY GLEASON, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, WILLIAM BEAM, AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, ERIN MORRIS filed by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY. (Attachments: # 1 Redline Comparison, # 2 Exhibit Index of Exhibits, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Exhibit C, # 6 Exhibit D, # 7 Exhibit E, # 8 Summons)(Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/24/2025)

1 Redline Comparison

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2 Exhibit Index of Exhibits

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3 Exhibit A

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4 Exhibit B

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5 Exhibit C

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6 Exhibit D

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7 Exhibit E

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8 Summons

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LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY (Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/24/2025)

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP. (Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/24/2025)

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING plaintiffs' 8 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Mr. Benjamin Apple may enter an appearance pro hac vice for the purpose of representing plaintiffs in this action. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 24, 2025. (lcbah4)

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING plaintiffs' 9 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Mr. Scott Carlson may enter an appearance pro hac vice for the purpose of representing plaintiffs in this action. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 24, 2025. (lcbah4)

NOTICE of Appearance by Benjamin Apple on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Apple, Benjamin) (Entered: 06/25/2025)

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support OF MOTION FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION, # 2 Declaration OF JAMAL BROWN, # 3 Declaration OF JEFF THIEL, # 4 Declaration LEAH ATWOOD, # 5 Declaration KRISTIN HELTMAN-WEISS, # 6 Declaration ERIN MCKEE VANSLOOTEN, # 7 [PROPOSED] ORDER GRANTING PRELIMINARY INJUCTION)(Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/26/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support OF MOTION FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

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2 Declaration OF JAMAL BROWN

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3 Declaration OF JEFF THIEL

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4 Declaration LEAH ATWOOD

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5 Declaration KRISTIN HELTMAN-WEISS

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6 Declaration ERIN MCKEE VANSLOOTEN

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7 [PROPOSED] ORDER GRANTING PRELIMINARY INJUCTION

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MOTION to Expedite DISCOVERY by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Index, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/26/2025)

.Order

MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, DIRECTING the parties to confer and jointly propose by June 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM a briefing schedule on plaintiffs' pending motion. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 26, 2025. (lcbah4)

SUMMONS (6) Issued Electronically as to AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, ERIN MORRIS. (mg) (Entered: 06/27/2025)

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK re 15 MOTION to Expedite DISCOVERY, 14 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction . (Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/27/2025)

Set/Reset Deadlines

Set/Reset Deadlines: Joint Proposed Briefing Schedule due no later than 5:00PM on 6/30/2025. (mac)

NOTICE of Appearance by Scott Carlson on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Carlson, Scott) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

NOTICE of Appearance by John Bardo on behalf of All Defendants (Bardo, John) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

Joint STATUS REPORT by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

.Order

MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of the parties' 20 Joint Status Report, which puzzlingly proposes a synchronous schedule for briefing both plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 15 Motion for Expedited Discovery, despite plaintiffs explicitly anticipating that the discovery, if granted, will be used to supplement the pending preliminary injunction motion, potentially necessitating additional rounds of briefing, since plaintiffs at least seem to anticipate discovery may be necessary to its resolution, but nonetheless ISSUING the following scheduling order in accord with the parties' agreed-upon proposal: 1. Defendants shall file responses to plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and their 15 Motion to Expedite Discovery by July 10, 2025;2. Plaintiffs shall file any replies by July 15, 2025;3. Hearings, as necessary, on one or both of the motions will be scheduled after July 15, 2025. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 30, 2025. (lcbah4)

Set/Reset Deadlines

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants Responses To Plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 15 Motion To Expedite Discovery due by 7/10/2025. Plaintiffs Replies due by 7/15/2025. (mac)

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus BriefIn Support of Plaintiffs' Motion For A Preliminary Injunction by CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION, INC.,. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support Proposed Amicus Curiae Brief of Chesapeake Bay Foundation, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order Granting Leave to File Amicus)(Lilley, Taylor) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

AMICUS BRIEF by CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION, INC. (mg) (Entered: 07/11/2025)

Order on Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING Chesapeake Bay Foundation's 21 Motion for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 8, 2025. (lcbah4)

Memorandum in opposition to re 15 MOTION to Expedite DISCOVERY, 14 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, JAYE L. HAMBY, ERIN MORRIS, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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REPLY to opposition to motion re 15 Motion to Expedite, 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction,, filed by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Apfel, Carrie) (Entered: 07/15/2025)

.Order

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING the parties to appear in-person for a hearing on July 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 26A regarding plaintiffs' pending 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 15 Motion for Expedited Discovery. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 18, 2025. (lcbah4)

MOTION for Extension of Time to Hold Hearing on Plaintiffs' Motions for Preliminary Injunction and Discovery by AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, JAYE L. HAMBY, ERIN MORRIS, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 07/22/2025)

Set/Reset Hearings

Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 7/30/2025 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 26A- In Person before Judge Beryl A. Howell. (mac)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to

Set/Reset Hearings

MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING, over plaintiffs' objection, defendants' 25 Motion to Reschedule the Hearing on Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, and RESCHEDULING the July 30, 2025 hearing for August 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM in-person in Courtroom 26A. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 23, 2025. (lcbah4)

Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing set for 8/6/2025 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 26A- In Person before Judge Beryl A. Howell. (mac)

NOTICE OF FACTUAL DEVELOPMENT by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Bainbridge, Holly) (Entered: 07/24/2025)

1 Exhibit A

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Notice (Other)

NOTICE: Members of the public or media who wish to listen to live audio of the hearing scheduled for August 6, 2025 at 10:00AM ET, without physically attending the proceeding, may do so by dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400, Meeting ID: 491822013. Any use of the public access telephone line requires adherence to the general prohibition against photographing, recording, livestreaming, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by telephone or videoconference), as set out in Standing Order No. 24-31 (JEB). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. (mac)

Motion Hearing

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Beryl A. Howell: Motion Hearing held on 8/6/2025 re 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. The Court Heard Oral Arguments From The Parties And Will Reserve Judgment. (Court Reporter ELIZABETH DAVILA.) (mac)

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MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING defendants to file a supplemental notice by August 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM, indicating which of plaintiffs' grants were funded pursuant to either programs or appropriated funds that have since been eliminated, per counsel's representation at today's motions hearing, with citation to the specific statutory provision effecting such elimination. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 6, 2025. (lcbah4)

NOTICE by AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, JAYE L. HAMBY, ERIN MORRIS, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE (Bardo, John) (Entered: 08/07/2025)

RESPONSE re 27 Notice (Other), filed by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (U.S. Forest Service Handbook))(Muraskin, David) (Entered: 08/07/2025)

1 Exhibit A (U.S. Forest Service Handbook)

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Set/Reset Deadlines

Set/Reset Deadlines: Plaintiff's Supplemental Notice due no later than 5:00PM on 8/7/2025. (mac)

ORDER GRANTING IN PART and DENYING IN PART plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and DENYING plaintiffs' 15 Motion for Expedited Discovery. See Order for further details. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 14, 2025. (lcbah4) (Entered: 08/14/2025)

MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Preliminary Injunction and plaintiffs' 15 Motion for Expedited Discovery. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 14, 2025. (lcbah4)

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to the Complaint by AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, JAYE L. HAMBY, ERIN MORRIS, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 08/17/2025)

RESPONSE re 31 MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to the Complaint filed by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Muraskin, David) (Entered: 08/17/2025)

MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of defendants' 31 Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Complaint, despite its submission one day before the deadline, contra 4 Standing Order ¶ 8(b) (requiring motions for extension to be filed at least four days before the deadline), and plaintiffs' 32 Response indicating opposition to any extension or requesting, in the alternative, that even if defendants' deadline to respond to the complaint is extended, the administrative record remain due as if defendants had answered on August 18, 2025, GRANTING IN PART and DENYING IN PART defendants' 31 Motion; and DIRECTING defendants to respond to plaintiffs' operative 10 First Amended Complaint by August 26, 2025, but DIRECTING defendants to produce the administrative record in this case as if they had served their answer on August 18, 2025, see D.D.C. LCvR 7(n)(1) (establishing deadline for administrative record "within 30 days following service of the answer to the complaint or simultaneously with the filing of a dispositive motion, whichever occurs first"). Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on August 18, 2025. (lcbah4)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to

Set/Reset Deadlines

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants' Answer due by 8/26/2025. (zalh)

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to the Complaint by AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, JAYE L. HAMBY, ERIN MORRIS, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

REPLY to opposition to motion re 33 Motion for Extension of Time to, filed by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Muraskin, David) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of defendants' 33 second Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to the Complaint and plaintiffs' 34 opposition, GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART defendants' motion; and DIRECTING defendants to respond to plaintiffs' amended complaint by August 29, 2025. The need to confer with government stakeholders and devise a strategy—as described by defendants—does not justify lengthy extensions beyond the 8 days afforded over the original deadline already granted, especially given that defendants are already amply familiar with this case from the preliminary injunction proceedings, but a slightly longer extension will nonetheless be granted with the cautions that further extension requests are discouraged, and defendants remain obligated to produce the administrative record in the timeframe directed by this Court's August 18, 2025 Minute Order. (lcbah4)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to

Set/Reset Deadlines

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants' Answer due by 8/29/2025. (zalh)

ANSWER to 10 Amended Complaint,,, by AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, JAYE L. HAMBY, ERIN MORRIS, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE.(Bardo, John) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Beryl A. Howell, held on 8-06-2025. Page Numbers: 1 - 111. Date of Issuance: 9-03-2025. Court Reporter: Elizabeth Davila, Telephone number: 202-354-3242. Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 9/24/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 10/4/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 12/2/2025.(Davila, Elizabeth) (Entered: 09/03/2025)

ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD CERTIFICATION by AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, AMY GLEASON, JAYE L. HAMBY, ERIN MORRIS, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, BROOKE ROLLINS, TOM SCHULTZ, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE. (Attachments: # 1 Index)(Bardo, John) (Entered: 09/17/2025)

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MINUTE ORDER (paperless) DIRECTING the parties to SHOW CAUSE as to why no joint status report has been filed pursuant to 4 Standing Order ¶ 4(b)(1) within 14 days of defendants' filing of an answer and DIRECTING the parties to submit such a report "proposing a schedule for... any motions" by October 1, 2025. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on September 25, 2025. (lcbah4)

Set/Reset Deadlines

Set/Reset Deadlines: Parties Show Cause due by 10/1/2025. (mac)

RESPONSE TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AND STATUS REPORT by AGROECOLOGY COMMONS, INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY, OAKVILLE BLUEGRASS COOPERATIVE, PROVIDENCE FARM COLLECTIVE CORP., URBAN SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORS NETWORK. (Bainbridge, Holly) Modified event title on 10/2/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 10/01/2025)

MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of the parties' 38 Joint Status Report, DIRECTING defendants to produce the supplemented administrative record within three weeks (21 days) of the conclusion of the government shutdown and DIRECTING the parties to jointly propose a schedule for a motion related to the administrative record or motion(s) for summary judgment within two weeks of defendants' production of the supplemented administrative record. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on October 2, 2025. (lcbah4)

.Order

NOTICE OF APPEAL TO DC CIRCUIT COURT by JAYE L. HAMBY, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, TOM SCHULTZ, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, ERIN MORRIS, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, WILLIAM BEAM, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, AMY GLEASON, BROOKE ROLLINS. Fee Status: No Fee Paid. Parties have been notified. (Bardo, John) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Transmission of the Notice of Appeal, Order Appealed (Memorandum Opinion), and Docket Sheet to US Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals docketing fee was not paid because the appeal was filed by the government re 39 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court,. (mg) (Entered: 10/14/2025)

USCA Case Number

USCA Case Number 25-5370 for 39 Notice of Appeal to DC Circuit Court, filed by JAYE L. HAMBY, FARM SERVICE AGENCY, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, AMY GLEASON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BROOKE ROLLINS, AUBREY J.D. BETTENCOURT, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, WILLIAM BEAM, DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, TOM SCHULTZ, ERIN MORRIS, AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE. (mg)