US EPA Plans to Undercut State Authority to Protect Clean Water from Pipeline & Other Infrastructure Projects

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Today, the Trump administration announced a plan to limit the authority of states and tribes to protect clean water from pollution resulting from pipelines and other major infrastructure projects during the permitting process.

The proposed changes to rules interpreting Section 401 of the Clean Water Act would make it more difficult for states or tribes to assess pollution risks and reject harmful projects before they are built.

This news about proposed changes to the critical Clean Water Act rules comes the day after federal pipeline safety regulators said they would not take enforcement action against oil and gas operators that do not complete required safety work on their pipelines.

In response, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels Campaign Director Cathy Collentine released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump wants to allow fossil fuel companies to pollute our air and water with impunity, regardless of the consequences for our health or safety. Undercutting state and tribal authority to evaluate and regulate the impacts of fossil fuel infrastructure projects that would threaten our clean water supply is dangerous on so many levels. Trump’s recent moves demonstrate the degree to which he is dedicated to enriching oil and gas companies over the wellbeing and benefit of the American people. There are many ways to bring more, needed energy online without threatening our air and water. Instead of taking off the guardrails for oil and gas companies, we should be prioritizing clean, affordable energy projects, like wind and solar, that are ready and waiting to power the country and bring down the cost of energy.”

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person’s right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.