Hydropower Trade Groups Sue Over Updated Endangered Species Rule

Two hydropower non-profit groups allege in a federal lawsuit that a new endangered species rule adopted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service is inconsistent with federal law.

The National Hydropower Association and the Northwest Hydroelectric Association take issue with the Biden Administration rule, intended to roll back changes the Trump Administration made to the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act. The rule has been under attack by conservative groups since its inception. The changes were made by the FWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2024, following a court-ordered remand of 2019 regulations.

The FWS’ new regulation ...