Washington tribes challenge Endangered Species Act rule change in federal court
Lawsuit argues the federal rule change weakens habitat protections for endangered species including Chinook salmon
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Squaxin Island Tribe, along with environmental organizations, have sued the federal government over changes to Endangered Species Act regulations, arguing the revised rule weakens protections for endangered wildlife habitat, according to reporting from the Washington State Standard. The lawsuits, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, challenge the Trump administration's decision to rescind the legal definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act.
The tribes argue the rule threatens recovery efforts for federally listed Chinook salmon in the Puget Sound and Skagit River, which are protected under treaty fishing rights, according to the Washington State Standard reporting. Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Chairman Steve Edwards said the change puts habitat needed by Chinook salmon at risk and called the rule "anti-science." The lawsuit also alleges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service unlawfully rejected the tribe's consultation request.
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