Industry groups file lawsuit over polar bear protection rule

WASHINGTON — Five industry groups are suing the Interior Department over a rule designed to protect the polar bear.

The groups representing the oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing industries say the rule discriminates against business activities in Alaska that might harm the bear, which was recently designated as a threatened species.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington by the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Mining Association and the American Iron and Steel Institute.

The groups want a judge to block government plans to review projects in Alaska that might harm the polar bear by contributing to global warming.