HERNANDO, Miss. (AP) -- DeSoto County has asked a law firm to explore the county's chances of overturning a federal decision that groups it with Memphis and Crittenden County, Ark., on ozone levels.

Supervisors tell the Commercial Appeal that they haven't decided to file a lawsuit. They say they will be meeting with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. They also say they'll ask the governor's office to file a formal appeal.'

The Environmental Protection Agency has included parts of DeSoto with Memphis, which has ozone emissions above allowable limits set by federal regulation. It includes urban areas of DeSoto County and Crittenden County, Ark., in the Memphis ozone "non-attainment" area.

DeSoto County officials fear the designation would hinder development by forcing industrial prospects to comply with more stringent requirements.