Nevada, Western states challenge new federal water rules

From staff and wire reports

Published Monday, June 29, 2015 | 12:42 p.m.

Updated Monday, June 29, 2015 | 2:53 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt is joining 12 other states in pressing a lawsuit against new federal agency rules that could expand powers over state and local water sources.

Laxalt announced on Monday that Nevada is joining several other Western states in filing a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The suit claims that the new rule would grant federal agencies authority over small ponds, generally dry small streams and irrigation ditches.

Laxalt said the rule is another “grab” by the federal government to manage resources in mostly western states. He said the state Division of Environmental Protection and the Nevada Association of Counties have already sent letters expressing their concerns.

Gov. Brian Sandoval said in a statement that he authorized Laxalt to join the suit after finding the rule ignored requests made by state-level water authorities.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Cy Ryan and the Associated Press contributed to this report.