The Southern Environmental Law Center has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take over North Carolina's water permitting authority, citing political interference with the state's environmental regulations.
Lisa Sorg reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Southern Environmental Law Center argues that political pressure has hindered North Carolina's ability to enforce the Clean Water Act.
- The EPA delegates water permitting authority to states but can reclaim it if requested by concerned parties.
- The state's Environmental Management Commission, influenced by Republican leadership, has delayed rules for toxic chemicals like PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane.
Key quote:
“The people of North Carolina deserve clean water, yet the state legislature is preventing the state from limiting toxic pollution of our waterways and drinking water.”
— Mary Maclean Asbill, director, Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
Interference in water regulation could lead to increased contamination in North Carolina’s waterways, impacting public health and the environment. The EPA's involvement may become necessary to enforce stricter pollution controls.
