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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 change to Endangered Species Act language that eliminates habitat protection.
- The Department of the Interior and Commerce announced their final rule on Friday to rescind the Endangered Species Act's regulatory definition of 'harm,' which previously protected habitat degradation as a violation.
- Representing nine environmental groups, Earthjustice attorney Kristen Boyles announced a separate lawsuit the same morning, noting the rule removes requirements for developers to explain how they limit habitat damage.
- 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 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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State tribes, environmental groups sue, challenging rule change to Endangered Species Act
Biologists with Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Seattle District Corps of Engineers inspect and document dead chum salmon during a site visit at the McGlinn Island Jetty, south of La Conner in April 2023 . The Swinomish tribe is one of two Washington state-based tribes filing suit against Trump administration rule changes to the Endangered Species Act. (Photo courtesy of United States Army…
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Total News Sources26
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
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