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Report: Scott Pruitt Is Taking Over Clean Water Act Determinations

The EPA chief reportedly asked the agency's regional offices to "cede their Clean Water Act determinations" to him.

Key provisions in the Clean Water Act are now under the direct control of Scott Pruitt, according to a leaked memo obtained by CNN. The memo, dated March 30, states that Pruitt will “make final critical decisions about preservation of streams, ponds and wetlands” and asks EPA regional offices to "cede their Clean Water Act determinations" to him. The shift, according to CNN, reduces the role of other agency employees and scientists in determining “whether a project has a significant negative environmental impact on waterways or wetlands.” Prior to the change, any projects—from residential housing to coal mining and oil projects—had to get approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA scientists who were primarily based in regional offices. The EPA did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.