Apr 4, 2019 IPAA urges National Governors to clarify states’ role in water quality permitting
In an April 2 letter, IPAA joined with the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, National Association of Manufacturers, Natural Gas Supply Association, and the Global Energy Institute of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to urge the National Governors Association (NGA) to work with the Administration to clarify the permitting process under Sec. 401 of the Clean Water Act. The signatories build or support infrastructure that has been thwarted by the overreach of certain state agencies in denying permits for water crossings under Sec. 401. The letter stresses that Sec. 401 calls for cooperative federalism, with distinct roles for federal and state governments in certifying federally-permitted or licensed activities. NGA is encouraged “to clarify and align legal precedent with clearer implementation of Sec. 401” to allow for “continued protection of water quality while maintaining the partnership between states and the federal government.”
