According to RISE (Responsible Industry For A Sound Environment), a federal judge in North Dakota has blocked implementation of EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ final Clean Water Rule, which was slated to take effect today. EPA has suggested the injunction will only impact 13 states.
In issuing a preliminary injunction against the rule, Judge Ralph Erickson of the District Court for the District of North Dakota found the 13 states that brought the lawsuit would likely be harmed without court intervention.
The 13 states that filed for the injunction include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
EPA said the rule takes effect today for all other states and the agency is evaluating the court order.