Supreme Court to decide sonar battle between Navy, environmentalists (dolphins)

[babylonsister]

Supreme Court to decide sonar battle between Navy, environmentalists
By Michael Doyle | McClatchy Newspapers


WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court will settle a fight that pits Southern California dolphins against the U.S. military.

In a closely watched case involving national security and the natural environment, the court agreed to review restrictions on the Navy's use of sonar off the California coast. The Bush administration contends that the sonar rules, meant to protect marine mammals, hinder military preparedness.

"The chief of naval operations determined ... that those restrictions unacceptably risk naval training, the timely deployment of (naval) strike groups and national security," Acting Solicitor General Gregory Garre said in a legal filing.

The California Coastal Commission and environmental groups worry about sonar's potentially destructive impact in a 120,000-square-nautical-mile training area that extends from Santa Catalina Island in the north to Mexico's Guadalupe Island in the south. A federal judge agreed and imposed the strict rules that the Bush administration now is challenging.

One rule requires the Navy to shut down its sonar when a marine mammal comes within 2,200 yards of a sonar source. Another requires the Navy to reduce sonar power during certain ocean conditions. The active sonar also is banned within 12 miles off the California coast.

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/41924.html

[thereismore]

1. it's a forgone conclusion. nt

[Annces]

2. Thanks for posting n/t