New EPA Policy For Reviewing State Programs Calls Intervention 'Last Option'

Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler has quietly issued new guidance that limits agency oversight of states' delegated programs and calls federal intervention a “last option” even when states allow for significant noncompliance, an approach that is drawing criticism from environmentalists who say it ignores statutory mandates to review some permits. In addition, one state regulator tells Inside EPA that some states are seeking additional specificity from the agency that will maintain existing flexibilities and also to ensure that EPA...