RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — Three environmental groups have sued the federal government over its handling of a solar project in the Mojave Desert, saying it will harm the desert tortoise and its habitat.
The lawsuit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court by the Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club against the Interior Department.
The groups want the Calico solar project moved to another site and out of desert tortoise habitat.
They say the proposed project's location will harm some half a dozen sensitive animals and plants.
The Interior Department declined to comment.
A similar challenge by the Sierra Club was tossed out last summer by the California Supreme Court, which did not give a reason for its ruling.