WA tribes, environmental groups sue over Endangered Species Act rule change

Washington tribes and environmental groups filed two lawsuits Tuesday in U.S. District Court for Western Washington challenging a Trump administration rule change that rescinded the legal definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. The Swinomish and Squaxin Island Tribes worry the July 10 rule change will threaten Chinook salmon recovery in the Puget Sound and Skagit River, affecting their treaty fishing rights. Nine environmental organizations also sued, arguing the change will weaken protections for salmon, steelhead, grizzly bears, and spotted owls.