Opinion ID: 604826
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Applying the Arbitrarily and Capriciously Standard

Text: 23 Having held that this Court has subject matter jurisdiction, we now must review the Service's decision. This Court can only set aside an agency action if it is found to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law. 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A); see also Dopico v. Goldschmidt, 687 F.2d 644, 654 (2d Cir.1982) (reviewing court should look for a clear error of judgment). Christianson argues that the Service acted arbitrarily and capriciously because its actions were not based on concerns about the environment. Specifically, Christianson alleges that instead of basing its action on whether seaplanes are the method of transportation posing the least danger to the seashore's environment, the Service was motivated solely by community sentiment. Furthermore, Christianson argues that the Service failed to investigate adequately the confusing and contradictory nature of the communications coming from the residents of Robbins Rest. However, given the applicable standard, we decline Christianson's invitation to reverse the Service's actions. 24 Christianson argues that the Service removed Robbins Rest's exemption without a defensible finding of public impact. The Service knew, however, that five other communities had already asked for rescission of the exemption, and was aware of the risks of seaplane activity and the public apprehension of those risks to the environment of Fire Island. Therefore, the complaints emanating from Robbins Rest represented merely the newest voice in a chorus of negative responses to this increasingly controversial activity. Given legitimate public concerns about the noise and the potential danger generated by seaplanes, it was neither arbitrary nor capricious for the Service to grant the rescission and ban them. 25 Moreover, it is readily apparent that seaplanes do not contribute to the natural resources and recreational environment on Fire Island. Rather, seaplanes are at best a convenience, making travel to Fire Island quicker. Therefore, the decision to prevent seaplanes from landing and docking at Robbins Rest properly contributed to a reduction in noise and potential danger from the planes, thereby adding to the area's natural ambience. 26 Finally, the fact that the Service polled the community upon Christianson's petition demonstrated that, at the very least, the mood of the community was not strongly in favor of lifting the ban and reinstating the exemption. While Christianson may not like the results of this poll, it was neither arbitrary nor capricious for the Service to rely on public approval or disapproval in making its decision. See Briggs, 954 F.2d at 538-39 (holding that investigation was neither arbitrary nor capricious and noting that investigations are essentially informal, not adversarial and are not required to take any particular form) (citations omitted); Conservation Law Foundation of New England v. Secretary of the Interior, 864 F.2d 954, 959 (1st Cir.1989) (holding that Secretary of Interior's consideration of all relevant factors, including results from a survey of visitors, was not arbitrary and capricious). 27 We therefore find that the Service has carefully examined the relevant facts and evidence at issue here, and that after so doing the Service has articulated a rational basis for its decisions. Accordingly, we will not disturb this agency's determination.