On September 21st, 2015, Attorney General Sam Olens filed a brief with the Eleventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on behalf of Georgia and ten other states, asking the court to confirm that the U.S. District for the Southern District of Georgia has jurisdiction to review the federal government’s “Waters of the United States” rule. The Eleventh Circuit has granted an Expedited Appeal in this case at Georgia’s request.

“We sought accelerated review of the district court’s decision because every day that this illegal rule is being enforced is a day that will directly impact the everyday lives of Georgians, from farmers to homeowners. Under this excessive and expensive rule, a farm pond, or even a homeowner’s backyard could be subject to federal regulation. As the federal government continues to issue burdensome and unconstitutional executive directives at an alarming rate, I remain steadfast in my commitment to protect and defend the interests of Georgians,” said Olens.

Attorney General Olens’s request is part of an ongoing, multi-front effort to combat the EPA’s new rule. A federal court in North Dakota recently entered an order prohibiting the EPA from enforcing its new rule in thirteen states. Attorney General Olens has asked the Southern District of Georgia, the Sixth Circuit, and the Eleventh Circuit to provide the same relief to the people of Georgia.

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