Snoqualmie Tribe loses lawsuit over falls

SEATTLE (AP) -- A federal appeals court has rejected the effort by the Snoqualmie Tribe to take away Puget Sound Energy's license to operate a hydroelectric plant at Snoqualmie Falls.

The tribe argued that diverting water deprived the tribal members of their religious experiences at the falls about 30 miles east of Seattle.

The tribe told the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that a powerful water spirit lives in the pool below the falls and the mist connects heaven to earth. Indians say the power plant eliminates the mist necessary for religious experiences.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports the court upheld the license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The commission said Snoqualmies still have access to the falls for religious ceremonies.