Story perspectives

U.S. Groups Sue Over Oil Highway That Destroys Cliffs

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 5:51 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. groups sued the government over plans to blast Gate Canyon cliffs and build an oil highway.
The project would destroy 100-foot cliffs containing at least 47 historic sites, including Buffalo Soldier inscriptions.
Plaintiffs say the cliffs host habitat for the threatened Mexican spotted owl.
The Bureau of Land Management approved the plan in April 2026, allegedly violating NEPA, NHPA, and the Endangered Species Act.

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Story summary

U.S. groups sued the government over plans to blast Gate Canyon cliffs and build an oil highway.
The project would destroy 100-foot cliffs containing at least 47 historic sites, including Buffalo Soldier inscriptions.
Plaintiffs say the cliffs host habitat for the threatened Mexican spotted owl.
The Bureau of Land Management approved the plan in April 2026, allegedly violating NEPA, NHPA, and the Endangered Species Act.