Published: July 10, 2009 10:41 pm      

7-11 OKC watch

Oklahoma wants water lawsuit dismissed

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Attorney General Drew Edmondson’s office has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a North Texas water district that wants to buy Oklahoma water.

The motion was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City. It involves a lawsuit filed by the Tarrant Regional Water District two years ago against members of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

The district alleges a moratorium on out-of-state water sales violates federal law. The motion to dismiss says the Red River Compact Commission has primary authority over the issue and should decide the case.

The water district, which serves the Fort Worth area, wants to buy up to 150 billion gallons a year. District officials say it will pay up to $60 million a year for Oklahoma water.

Edmond is part of a consortium of Oklahoma cities opposed to the water sale to Tarrant County as that group of cities also is seeking water purchasing rights to Sardis Lake.



Oklahoma AG sides against ban

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Attorney General Drew Edmondson has joined 32 other state attorneys general in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Chicago antigun law.

The state officials are supporting the National Rifle Association, which sued over a Chicago law that bans handguns in most instances.

A federal appeals court has ruled against the NRA, saying it is bound by previous court findings that say the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does not apply to the states and local governments.

Edmondson said the law under challenge has the effect of denying Chicago residents the right to own and keep firearms.

He says he supports reasonable restrictions — such as keeping weapons away from felons, the mentally ill and schools — but the Chicago law goes too far.