EPA Issues Final Rule to Strengthen Water Protections, Support Reviews of Infrastructure and Development Projects
A final rule to restore the fundamental authority granted by Congress to states, territories, and Tribes was announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect water resources that are essential to healthy people and thriving communities. The agency’s final Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Improvement Rule will support clear, efficient and focused water quality reviews of infrastructure and development projects that are key to economic growth.
According to EPA, “the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting economically secure, healthy, and sustainable communities” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “To achieve this goal, we must protect our water resources while also making investments that move our nation forward. With EPA’s final Clean Water Act Section 401 rule, we are affirming the authority of states, territories, and Tribes to protect precious water resources while advancing federally permitted projects in a transparent, timely, and predictable way.”
