Supreme Court Ruling Limits EPA's Water Regulation Power

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of San Francisco, limiting the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority under the Clean Water Act regarding wastewater discharge regulations. Justice Samuel Alito, writing for the majority, stated that the EPA cannot hold cities responsible for overall water quality without providing clear compliance steps, overturning the EPA's vague narrative rules. The decision requires the EPA to be more precise in its permit conditions, potentially complicating future regulatory processes. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, in her dissent, argued that this ruling could weaken environmental protections by restricting EPA's enforcement capabilities. The case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing environmental regulations with municipal compliance requirements.