Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A judge in North Dakota has granted a request from Nevada and other states to block an expansion of federal power over state and local water.
Federal District Court Judge Ralph Erickson ordered a preliminary injunction on Thursday that temporarily delays a new federal rule redefining "waters of the United States." The Environmental Protection Agency said the redefinition is aimed at safeguarding drinking water.
Nevada joined 12 other states in a challenge, asserting that Congress only intended federal authorities to have power over navigable waters. They fear the redefinition could give federal officials control of small ponds, streams and irrigation ditches.
Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt called the measure federal overreach and said it would burden landowners, farmers and developers.
The injunction delays implementation while a court battle plays out.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
