1.   -- Whether people or companies who oppose federal habitat protections can sue the government for violating pro-business provisions of an endangered species law.

2.   A company lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging its use of the species law confiscated property without compensation, also moved the issue toward resolution.

3.   Agribusiness interests, developers, and other landowners have the right to file lawsuits challenging environmental restrictions under a federal endangered species law, the Supreme Court ruled today.

4.   But Canada has no national endangered species law to protect wildlife or its habitats.

5.   Environmentalist groups argue that, if the species protection laws are cut in the way Gorton wants, a number of species could become extinct.

6.   Environmentalists fear this legislation would force the government to ease clean water and endangered species laws because of the potential costs.

7.   On Friday, Gorton was warmly received by a coalition of utilities, irrigators and business groups also committed to rolling back the endangered species law.

8.   Responsible enforcement of state and federal endangered species laws, they say, is necessary to save what is left and preserve the delicately balanced ecosystem.

9.   Spokesmen for commercial and sport fisheries said the species law is vital to their industry.

10.   The federal government is cracking down on shrimpers who violate ocean dumping and endangered species laws.