"Groups Give Notice They Will Sue To Protect Beluga Whales"

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Two environmental groups gave formal notice Friday that they will sue to protect endangered Alaska beluga whales from problems caused by oil and gas operations.

The announcement came three days after a federal agency said the population of white whales is declining faster than previously thought.

The Center for Biological Diversity and Cook Inletkeeper said they will sue the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for violating the Endangered Species Act by not protecting Cook Inlet belugas. The formal 60-day noticed is required before the agency can be sued."

Dan Joling reports for the Associated Press January 31, 2020.