Fearing EPA Inaction, Utilities Push To Advance CWA 'Conflict' Policy Bill

摘要

State and national water utility groups are renewing advocacy efforts to get a hearing on a bill that would force EPA to soften its conflict-of-interest policies that govern who is eligible to oversee state Clean Water Act (CWA) permits, due in part to frustration with EPA's inaction on the issue. The groups, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, and the Association of California Water Agencies, say the legislation is needed "to address a regulatory obstacle that prevents the most qualified individuals from serving as state permitting authorities charged with determining how best to protect water quality across the nation."