The suit, filed by California Attorney General Jerry Brown, represents an unprecedented legal effort to hold state counties and cities accountable for how their suburban sprawl can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions when poorly planned, USA Today said Wednesday.

Citing the 1970 California Environmental Quality Act, the lawsuit argues that county officials didn't effectively limit their suburban sprawl or regulate greenhouse gas emissions in the new area.

A San Bernardino County spokesman criticized the suit, alleging the state's attorney general was simply using the county to make a statement.

"The state's making an example of us to send a message to everyone else in California," spokesman David Wert told the newspaper.

USA Today said that if the suit proves successful, California counties and cities may have to limit their suburban sprawl and take a stronger stance regarding the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.