EPA Petitioned to Assume NC Water Permitting

The Southern Environmental Law Center has filed a petition with the EPA to revoke North Carolina's authority over its water pollution permitting, citing legislative interference that undermines the state's ability to regulate harmful pollutants like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. The petition argues that the North Carolina General Assembly has systematically weakened the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by controlling appointments to key environmental commissions, thus obstructing effective pollution management. Advocacy groups supporting the petition claim these actions violate the Clean Water Act and threaten public health by allowing increased toxic pollution in waterways. With a Republican supermajority in the legislature, the ability to pass laws without gubernatorial vetoes has further hindered environmental protections. The EPA's response to the petition will determine whether it will take over the permitting authority, which would require entities to obtain permits directly from the federal agency. The DEQ maintains its commitment to protect North Carolina's water resources amidst these challenges.