EPA Defends Landmark Washington Toxics Rule Ahead Of Possible Suit

EPA has promulgated its final rule setting water quality criteria to protect human health from toxics in Washington state, defending the controversial measure in the face of industry charges that the agency’s intervention in the Evergreen state’s criteria exceeds the scope of its authority and violates cooperative federalism principles. “EPA disagrees that the Administrator’s Determination and proposal are inconsistent with the concepts of federalism. Rather, EPA is exercising its oversight role, consistent with section 303(c) of the [Clean Water Act...