Environment Alert: EPA changes rules to make it harder for states to block pipelines and energy projects that could pollute waterways

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule Monday curtailing the rights of states, tribes and the public to object to federal permits for energy projects, including hydroelectric dams and coal export terminals, affecting waterways across the country. The move upends how the United States has applied a section of the Clean Water Act for nearly a half-century. The energy industry hailed it as a way to speed up projects, while environmentalists warned it could endanger the safety of drinking water and health of rivers.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     Environment Alert Jun 1, 2:50 PM     EPA changes rules to make it harder for states to block pipelines and energy projects that could pollute waterways The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule Monday curtailing the rights of states, tribes and the public to object to federal permits for energy projects, including hydroelectric dams and coal export terminals, affecting waterways across the country. The move upends how the United States has applied a section of the Clean Water Act for nearly a half-century. The energy industry hailed it as a way to speed up projects, while environmentalists warned it could endanger the safety of drinking water and health of rivers. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2020 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071