Skip to content
STATE:
NFIB Logo
Why NFIB
Our Purpose
About NFIB Policy Agenda Victories Benefits of Membership
Take Action
Get Involved
Policies Elections Events
Key Resources
Member Ballot How Congress Voted
Get Support
Business Area
Human Resources Legal & Compliance
Key Resources
Legal Guides Workplace Posters Case Index
Stay Informed
Education
Trends & Research News Webinars Small Business Podcast
Key Resources
SBET Jobs Report Problems and Priorities Tax Survey
Podcast Podcast
Careers Careers
Login Login
Why NFIB
Our Purpose
About NFIB Policy Agenda Victories Benefits of Membership
Take Action
Get Involved
Policies Elections Events
Key Resources
Member Ballot How Congress Voted
Get Support
Business Area
Human Resources Legal & Compliance
Key Resources
Legal Guides Workplace Posters Case Index
Stay Informed
Education
Trends & Research News Webinars Small Business Podcast
Key Resources
SBET Jobs Report Problems and Priorities Tax Survey
Podcast
Careers
Login
Join Now
Home / News / Press Release /

Small Businesses Urge Supreme Court to Reject Vague Water Quality Standards

Small Businesses Urge Supreme Court to Reject Vague Water Quality Standards

July 26, 2024

Press Release

San Francisco v. EPA concerns the Clean Water Act and compliance standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 26, 2024) – NFIB filed an amicus brief in the case City and County of San Francisco, California v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the U.S. Supreme Court. The case questions whether the Clean Water Act (CWA) allows the EPA (or an authorized State) to impose generic prohibitions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits that subject permitholders to enforcement for exceedances of water quality standards without identifying specific limits to which their discharges must conform.

“Small businesses rely on clear and consistent water quality standards, as promised by the Clean Water Act,” said Beth Milito, Executive Director of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center. “Without specific permitting conditions, it will be impossible for many small businesses to comply with ambiguous standards and protect themselves from harmful activist lawsuits. America’s job creators need clarity and relief from Washington, not further confusion.”

The brief argues two main points: 1) NPDES permit conditions that hold permittees directly liable for the quality of receiving waters have devastating consequences for the business community and the economy, and 2) receiving water prohibitions are inconsistent with the CWA’s text and design.

NFIB filed the brief with the National Mining Association, the American Chemistry Council, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Forest & Paper Association, the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the American Gas Association, the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Pork Producers Council, the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, and the Fertilizer Institute.

The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation’s courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Topics:
Legal
U.S. Supreme Court

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More
Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

May 19, 2025
U.S. Department of Labor Returns to an Older Independent Contra…
On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it will n…
Read More
May 16, 2025
Is Your Small Business Ready for Hurricane Season?
Read More
May 15, 2025
Engage App Discontinued: NFIB Streamlines Member Access on NFIB…
NFIB to discontinue Engage App, member access and advocacy resources fully…
Read More
person at work
May 14, 2025
New NFIB TV Ads Urge Congress to Prioritize the 20% Small Busin…
New NFIB TV ads feature small business owners who call on Congress to prote…
Read More
Loading…
NFIB
About NFIB Benefits of Membership Membership FAQs
Advocacy Center Elections Center Legal Center Research Center
Join Now
Media
Media Resources Media Contacts
Partner with NFIB
Careers Become a Provider Candidate Resources
Helpful Links
Contact PAC Contributions Legal Contributions Schedule a Call with NFIB
Follow Us
Stay Informed with NFIB

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility