Ohio, Michigan sue EPA over new rule

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio and Michigan are teaming up in a lawsuit against two federal agencies over a new rule that gives them authority over some streams, tributaries and wetlands.

The lawsuit filed recently in a Columbus federal court is similar to one filed in North Dakota by 13 other states.

The states say that the new rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers could give the federal agencies too much authority over waterways.

The EPA says the waters covered under the rule would be only those with a direct and significant connection to larger bodies of water that are already protected.

It says the goal is to protect the water from pollution and to maintain safe drinking water.