Colorado and Allies Target Utah Oil Rail Expansion
DENVER, Colo. — Colorado and 15 other states are preparing a lawsuit against the federal government over a Utah oil rail expansion project. The plan would increase oil shipments across Colorado and, in some cases, to the Cushing Hub in northern Oklahoma.
State leaders argue that the federal government ignored critical endangered species protections while approving related projects on public lands.
The Legal Challenge for Colorado
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and attorneys general from the other states sent notice in July to the Trump administration of their intent to sue.
In their letter, the states cited alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), specifically tied to President Trump’s executive order “Declaring a National Energy Emergency.” Trump signed the order on his first day in office.
Endangered Species Concerns
The letter sharply criticized the administration’s approach, stating:
“The ESA and implementing regulations do not allow agencies to routinely avoid and delay implementation of the ESA’s protections of endangered species and their critical habitats in the manner you have directed and which your agencies are carrying out.”
State attorneys argue the federal government’s policies create long-term harm for endangered species and habitats while prioritizing fast-track energy development.
Impact on Oklahoma
If the expansion proceeds, increased oil shipments could impact Cushing, Oklahoma, the nation’s key crude oil storage and trading hub. That link makes the case highly relevant to energy and environmental stakeholders in the state.
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