Posted at 2:06 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Navy's request to use sonar granted
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Federal regulators granted the Navy a permit today to use sonar in a maritime exercise despite environmentalists' concerns it could disturb or even kill whales and dolphins.It was the first such permit granted to the Navy, and one environmental group, the Natural Resources Defense Council, said it would to file a lawsuit tomorrow to prevent the sonar's use.
The monthlong exercise, which includes anti-submarine training, involves naval forces from eight nations. It began Monday off the Hawaiian Islands. The sonar part of the exercise begins after July 4 and lasts three weeks.
