In one of the first U/S Supreme Court cases argued in the 2024-2025 session earlier this month, reactions were split among justices set to decide whether National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits can be enforced under the federal Clean Water Act if they include generic, rather than specific, wastewater treatment discharge mandates.

The case pits municipal water-sector utilities and construction and business trade groups against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The City and County of San Francisco seeks high court review after a federal. appeals court in that city rejected a utility commission argument that language in its new permit was so vague that the city could face penalties for not meeting requirements.