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Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Move Forest Service to Utah
Newser • • nation
Key Points:
- A judge ruled that the USDA, which oversees the Forest Service, was not authorized by Congress to use its appropriated funds to close offices or relocate employees, based on a lawsuit by labor unions, conservation groups, and local governments.
- The lawsuit challenged a plan that included closing 23 research stations, arguing it would harm the agency's services and was unlawful without congressional approval.
- The ruling imposes a pause on closures affecting agencies like the Forest Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and Agricultural Research Service, but this pause may be temporary as current funding laws expire in less than two months.
- The judge noted that the USDA could present its case to Congress if it wants to proceed with office closures and relocations once funding laws are renewed.
- Utah Governor Spencer Cox criticized the ruling as a "setback for common sense" and called for a swift reversal.
