STATES SEEK BROAD COALITION TO SUE EPA OVER JUST-ISSUED PERMIT FEE RULE

摘要

States are gearing up to sue EPA over its just-issued rule aimed at encouraging state regulatory agencies to charge fees for clean water permits. Officials in New York and Nevada held a Sept. 4 conference call - the same day EPA issued the rule - to invite other states to participate in their planned suit, a state source says. The source says attorneys general from New York and Nevada are already reviewing deadlines for appealing and where to file. Maine and Oklahoma officials have also expressed interest in joining the planned suit, the source says. The rule is also likely to draw criticism from lawmakers, who had urged EPA to seek congressional approval before finalizing the rule, and from industry officials, who have warned the rule may violate a Supreme Court precedent. EPA Sept. 4 finalized the rule providing extra funding to states that fund their clean water programs through permit fees, with the agency announcing that it can provide up to $5.1 million to states that meet the rule's criteria.