GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) Two environmental groups have sued the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. They say the state has failed to limit greenhouse gas emissions in an air permit for a proposed coal-fired power plant east of Great Falls.

The lawsuit was filed by the Montana Environmental Information Center and Citizens for Clean Energy.

The groups ask the court to invalidate the air-quality permit for the Highwood Generating Station and to require a study to limit carbon dioxide emissions under state and federal air-quality laws.

It also seeks an injunction prohibiting construction until a new air-quality permit is in place with specific carbon dioxide limits.

The lawsuit is the fifth against the proposed power plant in the past year and a half, but the first time the state has been targeted.

Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-01-08 0445CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list