The PERMIT Act: A Direct Threat to Clean Water and State Authority
Congress is considering legislation that could dramatically weaken one of the most important tools we have to protect water quality: the…
Clean Water Act
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Protecting our Lifeline: Why the Clean Water Act is Essential for the Yuba River
The Yuba River is an iconic California landscape, providing vital clean water, supporting salmon populations, and offering unparalleled recreation opportunities. Its…
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Analysis of the new Clean Water Act Section 401 Rule
On September 5, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order that reaffirms the California State Water Board’s authority to enforce a “water quality certification” for new hydropower licenses granted to projects such as the Upper Drum-Spaulding, Lower Drum, and Deer Creek hydroelectric projects.
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Victory for Environmental Protection: Clean Water Act Prevails in PG&E Hydropower Projects on Yuba and Bear Rivers
Marking the culmination of a multiyear struggle where Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) had sought to evade regulation of hydropower projects under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA) shared that on September 5, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order that reaffirms the California State Water Board’s authority to enforce a “water quality certification” for new hydropower licenses granted to projects such as the Upper Drum-Spaulding, Lower Drum, and Deer Creek hydroelectric ventures.
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The Possible Impacts of the EPA Redefining “Waters of the United States” on the Yuba Watershed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of ‘waters of the United States’ to conform with the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies are committed to following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act to deliver the essential protections that safeguard the nation’s waters from pollution and degradation. This action provides the clarity that is needed to advance these goals, while moving forward with infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities
