Oregon's decision last year to remove the gray wolf from the state's endangered species list was upheld in state law when Gov. Kate Brown signed House Bill 4040 two weeks ago.
As of this week, the bill is now being used as a tool in the courtroom to block a lawsuit filed by environmentalists, who want to challenge the delisting decision.
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum filed a "notice of probable mootness" with the state appellate court on Monday, saying wolf advocates' request for a review of the delisting decision is likely no longer relevant because of HB 4040.
This is exactly what conservative lawmakers intended the bill to do, and while the judge will have the final say, environmentalists say the situation is looking more gloomy.
Copyright 2016 Oregon Public Broadcasting
