BILLINGS — Montana Attorney General Tim Fox has asked federal officials to withdraw a proposed rule that would re-define how streams and waterways are protected under the Clean Water Act.
Fox announced Thursday that he’s joined attorneys general from 11 states in opposing the joint rule from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.
EPA administrators have said the proposal merely clarifies what bodies of water already are under federal jurisdiction. Opponents worry it will let the federal regulators dictate what people can do with their own land.
Fox says the rule exceeds the federal government’s authority and has the effect of impinging on Montana’s sovereignty.
A public comment period on the proposal closes Friday.