Public Policy "NEWS"

The Supreme Court's recent decision on the Clean Water Act requires further analysis as it impacts how the EPA enforces its permit requirements. The Supreme Court decision  regarding the EPA's regulatory power under the Clean Water Act prompted extensive debate. The decision effectively restricted  the application of expansive narrative permit requirements that broadly instruct facilities to "do not violate water quality standards." The Court analyzed the San Francisco Oceanside plant case and determined that the EPA's requirements were unclear.   Despite the Court's ruling, the decision preserved the EPA's authority to regulate water pollution. Regulatory authorities have the ability to establish exact numeric effluent limitations as well as non-numeric requirements,  including time- or weather-based restrictions. The judgment requires that regulatory bodies write permits with greater precision.   The effect of the ruling will hinge on how regulatory ...

Hey everyone!  This legislative session, we're thrilled to support Senator Weber Pierson's SB 764 policy.  SB 764 requires restaurant chains to offer healthy meal choices for children.  Studying for my MPA degree has sparked my deep interest in understanding the potential real-world effects of public health policies. Think about it: Numerous restaurant kids' meal options contain excessive calories, sodium, and sugar, which we know is harmful to children.   My experience as a research assistant has shown me research demonstrating that these eating habits can result in serious health complications later in life. But here's the thing: Our goal is to assist families in choosing better options.  Through my family experiences, I understand how difficult it is to locate healthy food choices during restaurant meals.   My little cousin enjoys fresh veggies and fruit, but kids' menus often lack these healthy options. So, here's where you come in!  Pare...