Department of Justice Asks High Court to Review Navy Sonar

The Department of Justice is stepping into the debate over the Navy's use of sonar. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Justice Department wants the U.S. Supreme Court to review a court decision that limited the Navy's use of sonar. The federal appeals court imposed restrictions on the Navy's testing of sonar off San Diego's Coast to protect dolphins, whales and other sea life.

The Justice Department filed a petition that argues the decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco jeopardizes the Navy's ability to train sailors and marines for service in wartime.

The Natural Resources Defense Council sued the Navy over the issue. The group says that exposing dolphins and whales to sonar can hurt them and cause them to beach themselves.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.