Eyeing State Discretion, EPA, ECOS Grapple With New Program Review Policy

摘要

EPA and state regulators are continuing months-long talks on streamlining agency reviews of states' federally-delegated programs, seeking to clarify the level of deference EPA staff should afford state regulators and crafting a policy for elevating disputes among lower-level officials during permitting or enforcement reviews.During the Environmental Council of the States' (ECOS) Spring meeting here March 20, state environment officials said they are working with EPA to develop a plan for elevating disputes to senior managers at states and EPA regions or headquarters, and crafting guidance clarifying the deference that should be given to states and the role of federal oversight.