Conservation Groups Sue U.S. Forest Service Over Libby Mining Project Approval
Seven conservation organizations have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service in federal district court in Missoula, challenging the agency's approval of a permit for Hecla Mining Company's Libby Exploration Project. The project, formerly known as Montanore Mine, involves expanding a long-abandoned mining shaft beneath the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area. The environmental groups, including the Montana Environmental Information Center and Earthjustice, argue that the Forest Service used outdated data and failed to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. They claim the project threatens water quality and endangered species, such as bull trout and grizzly bears, by relying on 'stale measurements' and not considering current environmental conditions. 
