Lawsuit filed over White House demolition project

(PHOTO: Adobe Stock)

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia last week, alleges that construction has commenced even though project plans have not been submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission, as required under the National Capital Planning Act.

It also claims that no adequate public environmental assessment or Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared, in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and that Congress has not authorised construction of the building, which is required when construction is proposed in a federal park in the District of Columbia. 

The suit names US President Donald Trump, the National Park Service and its acting director Jessica Bowron, White House Superintendent John Stanwich, and Secretary of the Interior Douglas Bergum.

It also names the Department of the Interior and the General Services Administration as defendants.

The National Trust is asking the court to halt further construction activities until the government complies with legally mandated review processes, including submission of the project for planning review and the completion of a public comment period.

Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said: “The White House is arguably the most evocative building in our country and a globally recognized symbol of our powerful American ideals. As the organization charged with protecting places where our history happened, the National Trust was compelled to file this case.

“Submitting the project to the National Capital Planning Commission for review protects the iconic historic features of the White House campus as it evolves. Inviting comments from the American people signals respect and helps ensure a lasting legacy that befits a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”