Polar Bear Litigation

Date Filed: 12/11/2008
Case Status: Active

In Re: Polar Bear Endangered Species Act Listing and 4(d) Rules

Defenders has brought suit to challenge the polar bear special 4(d) rule exempting the species from take protections, while also intervening to defend the listing from challenges brought by the State of Alaska and numerous industry and hunting groups.

In June 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled for Defenders, upheld the listing of the polar bear as threatened, and ordered FWS to conduct additional environmental review of the 4(d) rule. Industry groups have appealed the decision.

Related Documents

Final 4(d) Rule for Polar Bears (12/10/2008)
Defenders' Comments to USFWS (7/14/2008)
60 Day Notice Letter (5/16/2008)
Press Release (5/20/2008)