COVERT TOWNSHIP (AP) - Two nuclear energy watchdog groups that want the Palisades Nuclear Plant closed are suing in federal court.

The groups are the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, and Don't Waste Michigan.

They say in a recent federal appeals court filing made in Washington that the high-level radioactive waste storage pads at the plant violate earthquake-safety regulations established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The two groups turned to the federal court system after complaining unsuccessfully to the NRC.

A spokesman for the plant near South Haven says Palisades has always been in compliance with federal regulations when it comes to spent-fuel storage.