Environmentalists plan suit to protect ice seals
(AP) -- An environmental group says it will sue the federal government to force a decision on additional protections for Arctic seals.
The Center for Biological Diversity says in a notice of intent to sue filed this week that the Obama administration missed a deadline required by law for an endangered species listing decision on ringed, bearded and spotted seals.
A 60-day notification letter is required before a lawsuit can be filed.
The group in May 2008 petitioned to protect the Arctic seals because of threats to their habitat - sea ice - from global warming and petroleum development.
In September, federal officials found that the three seal species may deserve Endangered Species Act protection.
©2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
