Clean Water Act

The article argues that fixing America's broken permitting system is an affordability issue because when supply of goods, housing, or energy is constrained, prices rise for consumers. These delays, caused by overlapping federal reviews and protracted litigation, create a hidden tax on projects. Key examples of this dysfunction include the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the redevelopment at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

Donald Trump’s energy projects risk being blocked by the Environmental Protection Agency's veto authority under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act, which allows blocking disposal even after permits are issued. This broad power threatens projects already under construction and is a major hurdle for fast-tracking infrastructure development. Advocates are seeking legislative or regulatory changes to limit this EPA authority.

Donald Trump's energy projects face risk from the Environmental Protection Agency’s veto authority under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act. This power allows EPA to block or limit material disposal even after permits are issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, potentially undermining ongoing construction. Industry groups are advocating for Congress to pass legislation, such as the PERMIT Act, to constrain this broad regulatory authority.

Plaquemines LNG is seeking a multi-billion-dollar expansion using fast-tracked permitting granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a national energy emergency declared by President Donald Trump. This expedited review, which could more than double the terminal's size, raises environmental alarms as critics warn it may damage up to 470 acres of wetlands in central Plaquemines Parish.

Right-leaning legal activists, supported by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, are targeting citizen suits—the right for private groups to sue over major law violations. These opponents argue that Congress improperly delegated power that should remain with federal agencies. Environmentalists warn that losing this tool would be devastating, as it has historically been used to extract fines and enforce compliance.

The Charles River has improved from a D to an A/B in EPA report cards since 1995 due to environmental efforts, but challenges like combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and climate change threaten progress. Public demand for swimming in the river is evident through events like City Splash, though infrastructure upgrades are needed to make it fully swimmable.

The article argues that Congress' housing bill fails to address California's housing issues and suggests the debate should focus on environmental and regulatory laws like NEPA, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and CEQA instead of HUD grant programs or building codes.

The sloop Clearwater was removed from the Sail4th Parade by the U.S. Coast Guard due to banners displaying political messages like 'Save the Clean Water Act' and 'Indigenous Rights, Racial Justice, Climate Solutions.' Sail4th claimed the banners violated an agreement prohibiting political content, while Clearwater disputed being notified to remove them.

A federal court case in Alaska centers on a controversial Pebble Mine project proposed by Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd., which opponents argue could harm Bristol Bay's salmon habitats. The Environmental Protection Agency blocked the project under the Clean Water Act, while Alaska and the mining company claim federal overreach. The case involves interventions from Native corporations and conservation groups.

Minnesota's 2026 draft list under the Clean Water Act identifies 2,979 impaired water bodies, with efforts like the watershed approach and successful restoration of Riley Lake. Impairments stem from pollutants like phosphorus, nitrogen, mercury, and bacteria.

The Trump administration halted a federal criminal investigation into coal companies owned by GOP Senator Jim Justice. The probe examined potential Clean Water Act violations by mining operations controlled by Justice's son. Prosecutors had initially been supported but were later instructed to cease the investigation.

A beaver was spotted for the first time in Hudson River Park's 400-acre estuarine sanctuary, marking a rare sighting in Manhattan. The video, captured by Sophia Tulp, highlights the area's role as a protected wildlife habitat and underscores beavers' historical presence in New York's waterways despite past population declines.

A Troutdale woman was sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act by discharging 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater containing hydrofluoric acid and toxic metals into the sanitary sewer without approval. The pollutants were released in Hillsboro.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper filed a federal lawsuit against SCorUSA, a Phenix City, Alabama-based developer, and the Aspire at Old Guard apartment complex in Columbus for alleged Clean Water Act violations. The lawsuit claims ongoing failure to control stormwater pollution from the construction site, which has damaged local waterways and aquatic life. City officials issued stop-work orders, but the environmental group argues local authorities have not adequately held the developers accountable.