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WA Tribes, Environmental Groups Sue over Endangered Species Act Rule Change
The tribes say the rule will weaken habitat protections and threaten Chinook salmon recovery, while the government says it will cut permitting costs.
- On Tuesday, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Squaxin Island Tribe filed a lawsuit against federal agencies challenging a significant rule change regarding the Endangered Species Act.
- The Department of the Interior and Commerce announced their final rule on Friday to rescind the Endangered Species Act's regulatory definition of the term 'harm', aiming to reduce permitting costs.
- Earthjustice attorney Kristen Boyles announced a separate lawsuit representing nine environmental groups, noting the rule removes requirements for developers to explain how they mitigate habitat harm.
- Swinomish Chairman Steve Edwards warned the rule 'is anti-science' and threatens Treaty-protected Chinook salmon, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum claimed agencies previously 'abused the ESA to obstruct lawful land use'.
- The rule change takes effect Sept. 14, as Boyles expects additional lawsuits in the near future while the challenge proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
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WA tribes, environmental groups sue over Endangered Species Act rule change
Washington tribes and environmental organizations sued the federal government Tuesday, arguing that recent changes to Endangered Species Act rules defy scientific research and pave the way for the destruction of important wildlife habitat.
·Vashon, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution82% Center
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
82% Center
L 18%
C 82%
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