A nonprofit preservation group has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop the Trump administration’s plan to repaint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool basin blue, arguing the project violates environmental and historic preservation laws.
According to the lawsuit filed by The Cultural Landscape Foundation, the Interior Department allegedly failed to complete required public consultation and environmental review procedures before beginning work on the project.
The group claimed the repainting could permanently alter one of America’s most recognizable landmarks.
Politico: Lawsuit seeks halt to Trump’s reflecting pool makeover
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A preservation group contends the “American flag blue” resurfacing on the National Mall feature violates federal law.https://t.co/5etMm7JZrA
Foundation president Charles A. Birnbaum criticized the “American flag blue” coating, saying it would undermine the historic visual connection between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
President Donald Trump has defended the makeover, calling the new appearance more attractive than the original design. The Interior Department also backed the project, saying the changes would improve the visitor experience and support long-term maintenance of the Reflecting Pool.
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