US environmental regulators want to hear complaints about water permits

The US environmental regulators are opening a public comment period and holding meetings to hear about problems with Clean Water Act permits. They want to know if current rules make it hard to get projects approved or cause confusion.

The Clean Water Act's Section 401 lets states and tribes review federal permits for projects that might affect water quality. This process has been a point of contention for years, with some arguing it gives states too much power to block projects, and others saying it's essential for environmental protection. By asking for specific problems, the EPA is looking for ways to either clarify the rules or change them, which could make it easier or harder to get certain projects built near water.