Contact: Morgan Caplan, Morgan.Caplan@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated a Trump-era rule that undermines a vital mechanism states and Tribes use to protect their clean water under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The Trump rule severely limits the tools states and Tribes have to properly evaluate the effect federally permitted projects, like pipelines and other fossil fuel facilities, would have on waterways. Sierra Club, together with multiple Tribes, states, and other groups, has challenged the Trump rule in court. Sierra Club is represented by Earthjustice.
In response, Sierra Club Staff Attorney Nathan Matthews released the following statement:
“States and Tribes know what is needed to protect their own rivers and other waters, and need to have a strong say in this process. The Supreme Court’s unexplained decision to reinstate the flawed Trump rule undermines local authority. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of this litigation, EPA must act quickly to finalize a substitute rule that restores states’ and Tribes’ authority.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.