DeFazio Steps Up Scrutiny Of EPA's Clean Water Act Policy Changes

摘要

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) is boosting the committee's oversight of the Clean Water Act (CWA) by asking EPA in a pair of July 30 letters to provide details on proposed policy changes dealing with state reviews of federally permitted activities as well as wastewater "blending." In a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler addressing new EPA guidance limiting states' powers to review federally approved permits under CWA section 401, DeFazio points out the guidance is a departure, and in some cases a reversal, from the agency's previous guidance on the issue. He highlights several changes that Democratic state attorneys general have said are unlawful including when the clock starts on a one-year limit for state review and the materials states are expected to consider in their certifications that projects will not harm state water quality standards.