<p>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.</p> <p>The tribe argued that diverting water deprived the tribal members of their religious experiences at the falls about 30 miles east of Seattle.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> 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 diverti State 2008-10-08T15:42:48Z 2008-10-08T16:48:51Z false 2008-10-09T16:54:07Z Snoqualmie Tribe loses lawsuit over falls 8259 snoqualmie-tribe-loses-lawsuit-over-falls Web Story Yakima Herald-Republic The Associated Press 0 2008-10-08T16:54:00Z 6419021 g0021 BC-WA-SnoqualmieFalls 10-08 0250 published Web Daily 2008-10-09T03:43:58Z 5