Opinion ID: 458564
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Plaintiffs' Position

Text: 44 The Corps, according to the plaintiffs, did not consider cumulative impacts at all and instead blindly deferred to other governmental entit[ies] to conduct such an analysis. They argue, moreover, that the district court did not, as the defendants assert, limit its analysis to the mere existence of cumulative impacts. The court, according to the plaintiffs, also found that cumulative impacts may be significant, a finding that is amply supported by the record. 45 The plaintiffs also argue that the district court did not exceed the scope of its authority in ordering the preparation of a comprehensive EIS on the whole of West Galveston Island. According to the plaintiffs, defining the geographic dimensions of an EIS is an issue traditionally decided by the judiciary. Finally, the plaintiffs claim, the district court properly exercised its discretion in enjoining the Corps from granting permits for similar projects on West Galveston Island until an EIS is prepared. 46