Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act

This bill, known as the "Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act," amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to significantly alter how water quality criteria are established. It mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must issue any new or revised water quality criteria through a formal rulemaking process , ensuring public notice and comment. This provision aims to increase transparency and public involvement in the development of these crucial environmental standards. Additionally, the legislation explicitly subjects the EPA's issuance of these water quality criteria to judicial review . This allows for legal challenges to ensure the agency adheres to proper procedures and scientific rigor, thereby enhancing accountability in the regulatory process.