EPA finalizes rule limiting state CWA 401 reviews to water quality

EPA’s final Clean Water Act (CWA) section 401 rule to limit state reviews of federally permitted or licensed activities to only water quality impacts tracks closely with the proposed version with some changes intended to increase clarity and regulatory certainty, according to agency officials. The final rule , signed by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler June 1, stipulates that a certification decision must take place no later than one year after a request is made and that certifications apply only to...