The federal government should have no say in determining whether Dominion and Allegheny Power can erect power lines in Virginia and other states across the country.

At least that's the opinion of six regional and national environmental groups.

They're suing the federal government over the creation of 'National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors.'

The NIETC designation, which covers large patches of Virginia, gives utilities a chance to appeal a state rejection to a higher power.

The plaintiffs in the suit include the Southern Environmental Law Center, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Piedmont Environmental Council.

The groups allege the creation of the national corridors violates the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act.

P.E.C. spokesman Bob Lazaro thinks the stakes are too high not to act.

"70 million acres are impacted," noted Lazaro. "Nearly 50 million people are impacted by this corridor designation. And what that does is allow the federal government to usurp local planning processes when it comes to siting high-voltage transmission lines."

The action follows another law suit filed earlier this year on behalf of the state of Virginia.