Senate Backs Deal Retaining EPA Control Of Ballast Water, Limiting States

After years of debate, the Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan deal that that maintains EPA's authority to set ballast water discharge standards under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and recognizes invasive species concerns in the Great Lakes, but limits most states' ability to set stricter standards. The 94-6 vote Nov. 14 on S. 140 follows a procedural vote earlier this year where Democrats blocked further consideration of the legislation, part of the Coast Guard authorization bill, because it would...