EPA Seeks to Weaken States’ Veto Power Over Pipelines (1)

States could have a harder time blocking interstate pipeline projects under an EPA proposal to rewrite its rules on water pollution and federalism.

The Environmental Protection Agency released a proposal Aug. 9 that narrows the amount of time and the circumstances by which a state can use its authority under the Clean Water Act to essentially veto interstate infrastructure projects. States can block projects they think will interfere with water quality goals (RIN: 2040-AF86).

The agency proposal responds to moves from Democratic Govs. Jay Inslee (Wash.), Andrew Cuomo (N.Y.), and others who relied on what ...