Opinion ID: 174554
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: standard of review

Text: We review de novo standing, ripeness, and a district court’s grant of summary judgment. Citizens for Better Forestry v. U.S. Dep’t of Agric., 341 F.3d 961, 969 (9th Cir. 2003). Alleged procedural violations of NEPA and FLPMA are reviewed under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. § 706(2). See Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Dep’t of Interior, 581 F.3d 1063, 1070 (9th Cir. 2009). In reviewing claims brought under the APA, we will only set aside agency action that is “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.” 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A). We review claims brought under the ESA under the citizensuit provision of the ESA or, when the citizen-suit provision is unavailable, under the APA. See Coos County Bd. of County Comm’rs v. Kempthorne, 531 F.3d 792, 802 (9th Cir. 2008). Irrespective of whether an ESA claim is brought under the APA or the citizen-suit provision, the APA’s “arbitrary and capricious” standard applies; and, an agency’s “no effect” determination under the ESA must be upheld unless arbitrary and capricious. See Or. Natural Res. Council v. Allen, 476 F.3d 1031, 1036 (9th Cir. 2007). Critical to that inquiry is whether there is “a rational connection between the facts found and the conclusions made” in support of the agency’s action. Or. Natural Res. Council v. Brong, 492 F.3d 1120, 1131 (9th Cir. 2007) (internal quotation marks omitted). Review of the BLM’s interpretation of its own statutory mandate, including review under the APA, requires application of the deference principle recognized in Chevron. See Nw. Envtl. Advocates v. E.P.A., 537 F.3d 1006, 1014 (9th Cir. 2008). WESTERN WATERSHEDS PROJECT v. KRAAYENBRINK 13241