NMFS Blows Deadline to List Endangered Hawaiian Whale

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In October 2009, NRDC submitted a petition calling on NMFS to list the Hawaii false killer whale as an endangered species.  Listing should be a no-brainer.  NMFS itself has determined that the whales are at high risk of functional extinction within 75 years and, in response to our petition, proposed listing them in late 2010.  But the wheels of change turn slowly.  The statutory deadline passed four months ago, and NMFS still has not made a final decision on the rule.

Earlier this week, NRDC put NMFS on notice that we will sue them if they delay much longer.  Under the law, NMFS now has 60 days to act.  Let’s hope they do the right thing, and fast.