DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Environmental and animal welfare groups are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alleging the federal agency unlawfully scrapped a rule that would have authorized the EPA to collect information from large-scale livestock confinement farms. The EPA dropped the rule in July 2012, saying it would get farm locations, waste management practices and number of animals on the properties from state and federal agencies.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Washington and claims that the EPA lacks the rational basis required by law to withdraw the rule. It also says the information is critical to enforcing the federal Clean Water Act. The EPA didn’t respond to messages.

The plaintiffs are The Center for Food Safety, Environmental Integrity Project, Food & Water Watch, The Humane Society and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.