North Dakota To Sue Over Power Plant CO2 Standards

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says North Dakota will sue over new federal rules designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. power plants.

North Dakota is among 16 states that will have to reduce carbon dioxide emissions the most under Environmental Protection Agency rules unveiled in August by President Barack Obama. Under the new standards, North Dakota must cut its emission rate almost 45 percent by 2030.

State officials have been considering a legal fight. The Bismarck Tribune reports Stenehjem made it official on Tuesday, saying the lawsuit will come as soon as the new rules are published in the Federal Register.

Stenehjem says North Dakota will not join with other states in a lawsuit, because North Dakota's coal industry faces unique circumstances.