The Trump administration on Wednesday announced a proposal to limit the authority of states and Native American tribes to block pipelines and other major infrastructure projects under the Clean Water Act.

According to the announcement, the proposed changes target Section 401 of the landmark environmental law, which currently grants states and tribes the power to review federal permits to ensure projects do not violate local water quality standards. 

The new rules would narrow the scope of those reviews and impose stricter timelines, making it significantly harder for local authorities to assess pollution risks or reject projects before construction begins.

The announcement comes one day after federal pipeline safety regulators stated they would not pursue enforcement actions against oil and gas operators that fail to complete mandated safety maintenance on their infrastructure.

Environmental advocates quickly condemned the move, arguing it removes essential public health safeguards. 

Cathy Collentine, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign, said the administration is prioritizing the interests of the fossil fuel industry over the American people.

Collentine argued that the federal government should instead focus on "clean, affordable energy projects, like wind and solar" rather than "taking off the guardrails" for oil and gas companies.

Administration officials have defended the overhaul, suggesting that some states have used the permitting process to unfairly stall critical energy projects for political reasons. The proposal will now undergo a public comment period before it can be finalized.