Groups urge lawmakers to protect state water reviews in permitting talks
July 1, 2026
Snake River Waterkeeper joined a broad coalition of clean water advocates in signing a letter to EPW Chair Capito, Ranking Member Whitehouse and members of the committee in support of protecting the Clean Water Act and Section 401.
Top Republicans and the Trump administration have argued that a provision in the Clean Water Act — Section 401 — has been abused by blue states to slow down or block energy projects.
The letter cites EPA’s economic analysis for its pending Section 401 proposal, showing that almost all permits issued by the Army Corps of Engineers with EPA and state input in recent years were either granted or waived, with only 0.6 percent of projects denied.
“At minimum, any congressional consideration of further changes to section 401 is premature and must be delayed at least until we have clarity on how the existing law will be implemented by the administration,” the letter states.
Read the full letter:
Clean Water Act support letter June 2026