"Federal appeals court judges gave no indication [Friday] that they see any significant legal obstacles to the Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act."

"The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is reviewing a June 2011 district court ruling that upheld the George W. Bush administration's decision to list the polar bear as threatened.

The state of Alaska, joined by industry and sporting groups, wants the bear delisted."

Lawrence Hurley reports for Greenwire October 19, 2012. [2]