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In Defense of Whales, NRDC to Challenge Expanded Sonar Testing

An environmental group plans to challenge changes that would let the U.S. Navy expand its sonar testing. The National Resources Defense Council says a new rule would remove restrictions on the testing

In Defense of Whales, NRDC to Challenge Expanded Sonar Testing

An environmental group plans to challenge changes that would let the U.S. Navy expand its sonar testing. The National Resources Defense Council says a new rule would remove restrictions on the testing.

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Joel Reynolds , NRDC attorney: It's not a question of whether or not they can test and train. We're not trying to block that. But we believe that when they test and train the Navy has an obligation to do so in a manner that minimizes the risk to marine species.

Reynolds says if the National Marine Fisheries Service approves the new rule, the NRDC will challenge it in court. The group's previous lawsuit resulted in restrictions designed to protect marine mammals.

Scientists say the high-frequency sonar testing harms whales and has caused the death of other marine mammals.