13 states ask judge to delay new federal water rule

Thirteen states – including Missouri ­ asked a federal judge Monday to delay a new rule that would give federal authorities jurisdiction over some state waters.

The lawsuit, filed June 29 by North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, seeks a preliminary injunction to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ joint rule from going into effect Aug. 28. Landowners and farmers are concerned ditches and puddles could fall under the new regulations, according to The Associated Press.

Attorneys general and officials in 30 states asked last month that the new law be postponed at least nine months for judicial review. An EPA spokesman said the agency is reviewing the request.

Businesses and agricultural groups in at least eight U.S. district courts have filed separate suits. Stenehjem’s request made Monday asks the lawsuits not be consolidated into a single district, according to the AP.

Read more from The Associated Press.