Arizona Among States To Block Federal Water Rule

By Associated Press, Dennis Lambert
Published: Monday, August 10, 2015 - 10:46am
Updated: Monday, August 10, 2015 - 10:47am

Arizona is among a group of 13 states asking a federal judge to block a new rule they say gives federal officials jurisdiction over some state waters.

The states, led by North Dakota, filed suit in June, challenging a rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.  The states maintain the new rule illegally expands the agencies’ jurisdiction under the federal Clean Water Act.

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said a preliminary injunction will be filed Monday to suspend the rules, which are to take effect August 28th, until the case can be decided in the courts.

In addition to Arizona, the other 12 states joining the lawsuit are Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.