Case: State of Colorado v. Trump

State of Colorado v. Trump et al.

State of Colorado v. Trump et al.

COMPLAINT against Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, Pete Hegseth, Troy Meink, Donald J. Trump (Filing fee $ 405,Receipt Number ACODC-10634936)Attorney David Z. Moskowitz added to party State of Colorado(pty:pla), filed by State of Colorado. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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Case assigned to Judge R. Brooke Jackson and drawn to Magistrate Judge Cyrus Y. Chung. Text Only Entry. (echa, ) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

Magistrate Judge consent form issued pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 636(c). (echa, ) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Donald J. Trump, in his official capacity as President of the United States by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of Defense by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Pete Hegseth, in his official capacity as Secretary of Defense by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of the Air Force by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Troy Meink, in his official capacity as Secretary of the Air Force by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Talia Boxerman Kraemer on behalf of State of Colorado, TheAttorney Talia Boxerman Kraemer added to party State of Colorado, The(pty:pla) (Kraemer, Talia) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Sarah H. Weiss on behalf of State of Colorado, TheAttorney Sarah H. Weiss added to party State of Colorado, The(pty:pla) (Weiss, Sarah) (Entered: 10/29/2025)

Administrative Notice re: [4-8]: The summonses will not be issued due to an incomplete case caption. The summonses must list all parties; "et al." cannot substitute the listing of all parties named in the case per Fed Civ. Rule 4. Please file completed summons for issuance using the event "Summons Request." (Text Only Entry) (jrobe, ) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Donald J. Trump, in his official capacity as President of the United States by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of Defense by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Pete Hegseth, in his official capacity as Secretary of Defense by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of the Air Force by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Troy Meink, in his official capacity as Secretary of the Air Force by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

MOTION to Leave to File Amicus Brief, by Amicus Jacob Valine. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Amicus Brief)(ccuen, ) (Entered: 10/31/2025)

1 Proposed Amicus Brief

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ORDER denying 17 Motion to File Amicus Brief. Mr. Valine, thank you for your motion and tendered amicus brief. I admire your brevity. However, courts consider multiple factors in deciding whether to grant leave to file an amicus brief, including whether counsel is capable of making arguments without the assistance of the amicus, the strength of the information and arguments, and the usefulness of the information and arguments presented. See, e.g., Oregon-California Trails Ass'n v. Walsh, 451 F. Supp. 3d 1007, 1073 (D. Colo. 2020). Your brief indicates that the proposed move of the Space Command could adversely affect your anticipated career path, and that you support the plaintiff's position. However, in terms of the factual and legal bases for or against the position of the plaintiffs, I am certain that excellent counsel on both sides will be able to present the facts and make the arguments. The Court will do its best to make the right decision on the facts and the law presented. I wish you well in your career. by Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 10/31/25. Text Only Entry(rbj) (Entered: 10/31/2025)

Order on Motion to File Amicus Brief

MINUTE ORDER. The Court orders that the parties confer and attempt to agree on a schedule and then file a proposed scheduling order no later than 45 days after the answer, motion to dismiss, or other response to the complaint is filed pointing out any areas of disagreement. The parties shall email the proposed order to Jackson_Chambers@cod.uscourts.gov in Word format and e-file it into CM/ECF. Without holding a Scheduling Conference, the Court will review and enter the order making such amendments and rulings as are appropriate and will provide the parties with potential trial preparation conference and trial dates for you to choose from. If the parties prefer that the Court hold a Scheduling Conference, please notify Chambers by email by the date the proposed scheduling order is due, and the Court's staff will provide the parties with a Scheduling Conference date. The proposed scheduling order should be prepared as described in the Local Rules. Instructions for the preparation of a scheduling order and a form scheduling order can be downloaded from the Courts website: http://www.cod.uscourts.gov/CourtOperations/RulesProcedures/Forms.aspx. By Judge R. Brooke Jackson on November 4, 2025. by Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 11/4/2025. Text Only Entry (rbjlc9, ) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Minute Order

SUMMONS issued by Clerk. (norlin, ) (Entered: 11/12/2025)

SUMMONS Returned Executed upon defendant(s) Department of Defense served on 11/18/2025, answer due 1/20/2026; Department of the Air Force served on 11/18/2025, answer due 1/20/2026; Pete Hegseth served on 11/18/2025, answer due 1/20/2026; Troy Meink served on 11/18/2025, answer due 1/20/2026; Donald J. Trump served on 11/18/2025, answer due 1/20/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Certified Mail Service on Defendants)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Marianne F. Kies on behalf of All Defendants Attorney Marianne F. Kies added to party Department of Defense(pty:dft), Attorney Marianne F. Kies added to party Department of the Air Force(pty:dft), Attorney Marianne F. Kies added to party Pete Hegseth(pty:dft), Attorney Marianne F. Kies added to party Troy Meink(pty:dft), Attorney Marianne F. Kies added to party Donald J. Trump(pty:dft) (Kies, Marianne) (Entered: 12/03/2025)

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer or Otherwise Respond re 1 Complaint, by Defendants Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, Pete Hegseth, Troy Meink, Donald J. Trump. (Kies, Marianne) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

ORDER granting 23 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond re 23 Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer or Otherwise Respond re 1 Complaint, All Defendants. The Complaint raises constitutional and statutory issues related to the President's executive authority and federalism, the motion is unopposed, and it is the defendants' first request. Therefore, there is good cause to grant the instant motion. By Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 1/5/2025. Text Only Entry (rbjlc9,) (Entered: 01/05/2026)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond

NOTICE of Filing Amended Pleading re 1 Complaint, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Amended Complaint Redline)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, Pete Hegseth, Troy Meink, Donald J. Trump, Sean P. Duffy, Brooke Rollins, Chris Wright, Doug Burgum, Kristi Noem, Karen S. Evans, Pam Bondi, Brian Stone, Executive Office of the President, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, The, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Justice, National Science Foundation, filed by State of Colorado, The. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit #1 - Letter)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

1 Exhibit #1 - Letter

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SUMMONS REQUEST as to Pam Bondi re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Karen Evans re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Federal Emergency Management Agency re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Doug Burgum re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of Agriculture re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of the Interior re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of Homeland Security re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of Energy re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of Justice re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Department of Transportation re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Sean Duffy re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Executive Office of the President re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Kristi Noem re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to National Science Foundation re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Brooke Rollins re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Brian Stone re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

SUMMONS REQUEST as to Chris Wright re 26 Amended Complaint,, by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/08/2026)

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/09/2026)

ORDER granting 44 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Plaintiff has shown good cause for leave to file a 25-page opening brief in light of the substantial factual and legal issues involved. The Court notes that the motion is unopposed. Defendants are likewise permitted to file a 25-page brief in opposition. By Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 1/12/2026. Text Only Entry (rbjlc9, ). (Entered: 01/12/2026)

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit #1 - Declaration of Abby McClelland, # 2 Exhibit #2 - 1995 Code of Federal Regulations)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

1 Exhibit #1 - Declaration of Abby McClelland

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2 Exhibit #2 - 1995 Code of Federal Regulations

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Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

Unopposed MOTION to Expedite Briefing Schedule for Preliminary Injunction Motion (Dkt. 46) by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/14/2026)

ORDER granting 47 Motion to Expedite. For good cause shown, the Court grants Plaintiff's Motion to Expedite and Orders the briefing schedule proposed by the parties therein. By Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 1/14/2026. Text Only Entry (rbjlc9, ). (Entered: 01/14/2026)

Order on Motion to Expedite

SUMMONS issued by Clerk. (ccuen, ) (Entered: 01/16/2026)

NOTICE of Entry of Appearance by Tyler J. Becker on behalf of All Defendants Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Pam Bondi(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Doug Burgum(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of Agriculture(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of Defense(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of Energy(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of Homeland Security(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of Justice(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of Transportation(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of the Air Force(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Department of the Interior, The(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Sean P. Duffy(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Karen S. Evans(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Executive Office of the President(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Federal Emergency Management Agency(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Pete Hegseth(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Troy Meink(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party National Science Foundation(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Kristi Noem(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Brooke Rollins(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Brian Stone(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Donald J. Trump(pty:dft), Attorney Tyler J. Becker added to party Chris Wright(pty:dft) (Becker, Tyler) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

SUMMONS Returned Executed upon defendant(s) Pam Bondi served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Doug Burgum served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of Agriculture served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of Defense served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of Energy served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of Homeland Security served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of Justice served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of Transportation served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of the Air Force served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Department of the Interior, The served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Sean P. Duffy served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Karen S. Evans served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Executive Office of the President served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Federal Emergency Management Agency served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Pete Hegseth served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Troy Meink served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; National Science Foundation served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Kristi Noem served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Brooke Rollins served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Brian Stone served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Donald J. Trump served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026; Chris Wright served on 1/21/2026, answer due 3/23/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

BRIEF in Opposition to 46 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Defendants Pam Bondi, Doug Burgum, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Interior, The, Sean P. Duffy, Karen S. Evans, Executive Office of the President, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Pete Hegseth, Troy Meink, National Science Foundation, Kristi Noem, Brooke Rollins, Brian Stone, Donald J. Trump, Chris Wright. (Attachments: # 1 Ex. 1 - Corley Declaration)(Becker, Tyler) (Entered: 01/22/2026)

MINUTE ORDER The Court has reviewed the motion for a preliminary injunction and the response. Without commenting on the merits of either partys position at this time, the Courts impression is that the parties have not conferred, and that the parties might benefit from good faith discussion about the recertification process and a more realistic timeframe. Accordingly, the Court tentatively sets oral argument at 9:00 a.m. on January 28, 2026. The Court directs counsel for the parties to confer over the weekend, in person or by video teleconference, with the goal of negotiating a more practical timeframe for recertification and other details of the process. The parties are directed to inform the court by January 27, 2026, and preferably sooner, whether they have reached an agreement that would render the need for a hearing and a possible preliminary injunction moot. By Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 1/23/2026. Text Only Entry (rbjlc9, ). (Entered: 01/23/2026)

Minute Order

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to Appear at January 28, 2026 Hearing By Telephone or Video in Light of Inclement Weather by Defendants Pam Bondi, Doug Burgum, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Interior, The, Sean P. Duffy, Karen S. Evans, Executive Office of the President, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Pete Hegseth, Troy Meink, National Science Foundation, Kristi Noem, Brooke Rollins, Brian Stone, Donald J. Trump, Chris Wright. (Becker, Tyler) (Entered: 01/24/2026)

NOTICE re 53 Minute Order,,, JOINT NOTICE by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

ORDER denying 56 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages by Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 1/26/26. Text Only Entry(rbj) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

ORDER granting 54 Motion for Leave. The Court will hold the hearing in the courtroom. Any attorney may attend in person or by video teleconference or by telephone. The courtroom deputy will contact counsel with information about the video and audio connections. by Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 1/. Text Only Entry(rbj) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

MOTION for Reconsideration re 57 Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Attachments: # 1 Draft Reply Brief)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

ORDER granting 59 Motion for Reconsideration. Granted because the Court does not have the time to continue the back and forth with the plaintiff on the issue. Counsel perhaps has overlooked that its task is not just to make a record for appeal, nor does the length of a reply brief affect its record. The task is to persuade the court to do something. A shotgun motion that raises all possible arguments is not necessarily persuasive. A lengthy reply brief filed when the Court is attempting to study the unnecessarily long motion and reply and to provide a decision on a very short timeframe is not persuasive. Whether the Court will have the time to study the entire reply brief in this context is questionable. by Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 1/26/26. Text Only Entry(rbj) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

Order on Motion for Leave

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

Order on Motion for Reconsideration

MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge R. Brooke Jackson: Set/Reset Hearings. Oral Argument set for 1/28/2026 09:00 AM in Courtroom C203 before Judge R. Brooke Jackson. (rbjlc9, ) Text Only Entry

REPLY to Response to 46 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit #3 - Minnesota Pilot Project, # 2 Exhibit #4 - Enforcement Letter, # 3 Exhibit #5 - Corley Declaration, # 4 Exhibit #6 - Transcript Excerpt, # 5 Exhibit #7 - McClelland Supplemental Declaration, # 6 Exhibit #8 - Rollins Social Media Post)(Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

1 Exhibit #3 - Minnesota Pilot Project

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2 Exhibit #4 - Enforcement Letter

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3 Exhibit #5 - Corley Declaration

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4 Exhibit #6 - Transcript Excerpt

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5 Exhibit #7 - McClelland Supplemental Declaration

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6 Exhibit #8 - Rollins Social Media Post

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NOTICE by Defendants Pam Bondi, Doug Burgum, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Interior, The, Sean P. Duffy, Karen S. Evans, Executive Office of the President, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Pete Hegseth, Troy Meink, National Science Foundation, Kristi Noem, Brooke Rollins, Brian Stone, Donald J. Trump, Chris Wright (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Corley Declaration)(Becker, Tyler) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

MINUTE ENTRY for Oral Argument Hearing held on 1/28/2026 before Judge R. Brooke Jackson. Granting Plaintiff's 46 Motion for Preliminary Injunction as stated on the record; Written order to follow. Court Reporter: Kevin Carlin. (hguer) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

TRANSCRIPT of Oral Argument held on 01/28/2026 before Judge Jackson. Pages: 1-77. NOTICE - REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: Within seven calendar days of this filing, each party shall inform the Court, by filing a Notice of Intent to Redact, of the party's intent to redact personal identifiers from the electronic transcript of the court proceeding. If a Notice of Intent to Redact is not filed within the allotted time, this transcript will be made electronically available after 90 days. Please see the Notice of Electronic Availability of Transcripts document at www.cod.uscourts.gov. Transcript may only be viewed at the court's public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber prior to the 90 day deadline for electronic posting on PACER. (kcarl, ) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer or Otherwise Respond and to Set Deadlines by Defendants Pam Bondi, Doug Burgum, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Interior, The, Sean P. Duffy, Karen S. Evans, Executive Office of the President, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Pete Hegseth, Troy Meink, National Science Foundation, Kristi Noem, Brooke Rollins, Brian Stone, Donald J. Trump, Chris Wright. (Kies, Marianne) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

ORDER granting 65 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond All Parties. by Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 2/19/26. Text Only Entry(rbj) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond

Joint STATUS REPORT by Plaintiff State of Colorado, The. (Moskowitz, David) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

ORDER GRANTING PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. Colorado's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, ECF No. 46, is hereby GRANTED, and USDA is PRELIMINIARILY ENJOINED from compelling Colorado's participation in the pilot project or taking any adverse action against Colorado for its refusal to comply with any of the demands of the Recertification Letter, by Judge R. Brooke Jackson on 3/16/2026. (ccuen, ) (Entered: 03/16/2026)