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Dubois v. Thomas: The nature of the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator's investigatory and enforcement duties under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Journal Article · · Journal of Energy Law and Policy; (USA)
OSTI ID:5261650
In Dubois v. Thomas, the Eighth Circuit Court determined the extent of the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator's duties under Section 309 or the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA). Reversing the district court ruling, the circuit court held that FWPCA imposes a discretionary, rather than a mandatory duty on the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate violations of FWPCA alleged by private citizens, and to take enforcement action if a violation is found. The court's decision in Dubois follows the majority view in similar decisions. This note briefly discusses the historical background of federal water pollution legislation and analyzes the holding and rationale of the decision in Dubois.
OSTI ID:
5261650
Journal Information:
Journal of Energy Law and Policy; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Energy Law and Policy; (USA) Vol. 10:1; ISSN JELPE; ISSN 0275-9926
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English