The American Farm Bureau Federation filed in January 2011 to challenge the EPA’s authority to enforce pollution limits on non-point sources claiming the EPA’s Bay TMDL, or pollution diet, was based on faulty data and modeling, and that the EPA just did not have the authority to set specific limits on pollution. The National Association of Home Builders, the National Chicken Council, and the attorney generals of 21 states (mostly outside the Bay watershed) joined the challenge, while numerous others petitioned the court to intervene in support of the EPA’s action. Assisting in the defense for the EPA included Chesapeake Bay Foundation, PennFuture, Defenders of Wildlife, Jefferson County Public Service District, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, and numerous other groups.

      In September 2014, Pennsylvania Judge Sylvia Rambo issued a thoughtful ruling in defense of the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to enforce the Clean Water Act. The federal court affirmed that the EPA has the authority to issue pollution limits based on sound science and can continue doing its job of protecting the environment.

      “Everyone deserves clean water,” said Bob Lewis, executive director of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, “including future generations. It’s time for local government to take action and earmark a significant budget for the clean up of our waterways.”

      Many rural jurisdictions in Maryland were waiting (maybe even hoping) to see if the Farm Bureau would prevail. A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the EPA’s regulations on energy generation pollution standards (mainly mercury) citing the EPA’s failure to take the cost into consideration.

      “It’s time we consider the cast of a dirty environment and the need for action. Every day people die early deaths from air and water pollution. Our quality of life is based directly on clean air and water. I hope we continue to choose the right path,” Lewis said. “This ruling by the Circuit court is a big win for our environment, for our health and happiness, and for our children’s future.”