API Supports Clarification of EPA Guidance on Section 401 of the Clean Water Act

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2019—API released a statement reacting to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) clarification of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

“API supports a rigorous, consistent, and transparent process for Section 401 water quality certifications, and we are hopeful that the clarification issued by the EPA will help provide that for energy developers and manufacturers, and the guidance will continue to ensure that the public plays an important role in the regulatory process,” said Robin Rorick, vice president for midstream and industry operations at API. “We support the Clean Water Act, and the addition of a well-defined timeline and review process will provide certainty to operators as they develop infrastructure projects that meet state water quality standards while enabling energy development, transportation and refining to meet record consumer energy demand.”

The new guidelines provide clarification and recommendations to statutory and regulatory timelines for review and action on a CWA Section 401 certification; the appropriate scope of CWA Section 401 certification conditions; and information within the scope of a state or authorized tribe’s CWA Section 401 review.

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.