Date: March 4, 2025
Location: United States (San Francisco)
Source: Wikipedia (San Francisco v. EPA)
Summary
The United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of San Francisco in a dispute against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding water pollution limits. The ruling determined that the EPA cannot impose generic prohibitions on pollutant discharge without specifying exact limits.
Case Background
● San Francisco operates a combined sewage system that can overflow into the Pacific Ocean during heavy rains.
● The EPA issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in 2019 with provisions deemed inconsistent with the Clean Water Act.
Key Ruling and Implications
● The Court’s 5-4 decision ruled that the EPA must specify pollutant discharge limits in permits.
● This ruling affects how the EPA and state authorities set regulatory compliance standards.
● It emphasizes the need for clear and enforceable water pollution policies.