U.S. EPA Clarifies Rules to Prevent Delays of Energy Projects

The Trump administration this week announced a final rule that clarifies a key section of the U.S. Clean Water Act (CWA) in a move that should expedite the approval of energy infrastructure projects. The U.S. EPA’s new final rule on Section 401 of the CWA requires states and Native American tribes to rule on permit requests within one year of being submitted and clarifies that decisions should be based solely on the project’s effect on water quality.

Rachel Jones, vice president of energy and resources for the National Association of Manufacturers, supported the rule change, saying: “By strengthening the state-federal partnership, the EPA is empowering manufacturers to make sustainable investments.” 6/2/2020