U.S. EPA moves to curb state powers to deny permits for energy projects

(Reuters, 1 Jun 2020) The move comes as the Trump administration has grown frustrated with states like California for halting coal terminals.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler signed on Monday a rule limiting state powers to block energy infrastructure projects, setting up a fight with some Democratic governors who say Washington is stripping their ability to protect their states' interests and combat climate change.

The move comes as the Trump administration grows increasingly frustrated with left-leaning states like California and Washington that it says have misused their authority under the U.S. Clean Water Act to halt fossil fuel projects like pipelines and coal terminals.

Under the rule, first proposed in August, the EPA will alter Section 401 of the federal water law to make it impossible for a state to block a water permit for a project for any reason other than direct pollution into state waters. It will also set a one-year deadline for states to approve projects.

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Reuters, 1 Jun 2020: U.S. EPA moves to curb state powers to deny permits for energy projects