The EPA proposed changes to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, aiming to speed up federal energy project approvals. The rule would limit how states and tribes can block or condition permits for pipelines and infrastructure projects affecting waterways.

For decades, Section 401 allowed local authorities to reject projects harming water quality. The Trump administration argues this power has been misused to stall developments. Critics say the change undermines local oversight and environmental safeguards.

Environmental groups warn the shift could leave smaller streams and wetlands vulnerable. State regulators may lose authority over waters no longer covered by federal rules after recent Supreme Court rulings and agency rollbacks.

The proposal sets a firm one-year deadline for state reviews and bars requests to withdraw applications. While meant to bring efficiency, opponents see it as a federal overreach that prioritizes industry timelines over clean water protections.