Everett, Wash.
Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2008

California group contests presidential sonar order

Associated Press

 LOS ANGELES -- The California Coastal Commission has filed a court brief against President Bush's exemption of the Navy from environmental laws that would restrict use of high-power sonar off the coast.

The brief filed Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court argues that the president violated constitutional guarantees of separation of powers by overriding an earlier court decision limiting sonar use.

The brief was filed in a case in which the Natural Resources Defense Council has sued to restrict the Navy's use of sonar because of possible harm to whales and other marine mammals.

The environmental group is also expected to file a brief opposing the president's order.
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