Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today made the following remarks regarding the Bush Administration's action exempting the U.S. Navy from certain protections for marine mammals, including endangered whales:
Senator Boxer said: "Once again the Bush Administration has taken a slap at our environmental heritage, overriding a court that was very mindful to protect marine wildlife, including endangered whales, while assuring that the Navy's activities can continue. The science tells us that sonar can injure and kill whales and other marine mammals. Unfortunately, this Bush Administration action will send this case right back into court, where more taxpayer dollars will be wasted defending a misguided decision."