It doesn't matter how long pollutants flow. If they travel 10 feet or 100 miles they are still going to cause problems downstream. |
It's simpler to prove whether the wetland is adjacent to the stream or not, and then if he applies for a permit you can decide whether the impacts of his wetland on the stream are significant enough that he should or should not get a permit. |
These federal environmental laws were designed to help keep peace among the states, to give them a way to address upstream pollution problems coming from their neighbors. In Louisiana, pollution comes as far away as Wyoming and Minnesota. |
This is a victory for public health. It makes no sense to allow huge multi-million-dollar projects that drastically increase air pollution without installing up-to-date pollution controls or even notifying nearby residents. |
We're optimistic about all nine justices, given the nature of the case here. |
When they say 'navigable,' they are referring to a definition that dates back to the 19th century, not the Clean Water Act. But even using that definition, it has long been accepted that the U.S. can protect upstream waters in order to protect downstream waters. |