Supreme Court sides with San Francisco, requiring EPA to set specific targets in water pollution permits

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 bodies apply their existing powers.  Regulatory bodies maintain the authority to enforce strict effluent restrictions based on water quality and additional regulatory actions.

My research focuses on understanding the effects of this ruling on upcoming permit renewals and how water quality standards will be enforced moving forward. The Court's decision represents a recalibration rather than a full dismantling of the Clean Water Act, despite its reputation for opposing regulation. 

Let’s Support Healthy Options for Kids!

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! Parents and community members throughout California should provide their feedback. Can you tell me which healthy items you expect to find on children's menus? Is your family faced with children who prefer fresh produce and nutritious options over traditional fried foods when dining out?

 We must demonstrate to government officials the significance of nutritional balance in children's meals for our family and community.  Seriously, let us know! We must show lawmakers why nutritionally balanced kids' meals are vital to us and our families. For example, I’d love to see more whole grain options, grilled protein, and fresh fruit and veggie sides as the default, not the exception. And I’d like water or milk as the default drink options. Together, we can take action to create meaningful improvements for our children's well-being. What do you think? Which healthy choices would you prefer to become available? 

Honoring and Celebrating Black History

From my perspective as a Black gay man, I understand that assaults on Black history impact me personally, extending beyond mere political issues. The distortion of Dr. King's legacy, along with the diminishing of the struggles faced by Black Americans, serves to undermine my personal identity and experiences. The forces attempting to eliminate Black history are the same forces that seek to erase LGBTQ+ history, as my identity exists at the intersection of racial discrimination and anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice. The Black and LGBTQ+ communities must unite to protect our shared heritage and promote justice and equality for all.

What College Leaders Are Saying About Trump’s Directive on Race and DEI

College leaders remain challenged by the consequences of this letter. Two weeks is insufficient time to fully evaluate and make necessary changes to sophisticated policies and programs. Potential funding reductions create substantial pressure. I want to understand how colleges will handle these changes and their eventual impact on campus diversity.

According to this letter, the Department of Education has significantly changed its stance on race-conscious policies. The expedited timeline reveals that they plan to implement their interpretation forcefully. Legal challenges against this letter remain uncertain as debates surround race-conscious approaches in higher education. Achieving institutional diversity without referencing race is a substantial policy difficulty.

House Budget Proposal Hurts Millions of People to Pay for Still More Breaks for the Rich

Now is the time to tell Congress to vote against the budget resolution. Tell them to oppose the budget resolution and any other legislation that would cut Medicaid because seniors will be harmed. Use this call-in line to reach your member of Congress: 866-426-2631.

Enhancing San Jacinto's Resilience to Climate Change Impacts

San Jacinto City Council

595 S San Jacinto Ave 

San Jacinto, CA. 92583

Dear Members of the San Jacinto City Council, 

I am writing to express my concerns about the increasing threat of climate change and its potential impacts on our community, particularly in light of recent devastating wildfires and extreme weather events across California, including the significant losses experienced in Los Angeles County, as highlighted in a recent MyNewsLA.com article https://mynewsla.com/government/2025/02/13/la-county-launches-blue-ribbon-commission-on-climate-action-and-fire-recovery-2. This article discussed the formation of the LA County Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery, which underscores the urgency of proactive measures to protect our communities. 

Like many other areas in California, San Jacinto faces risks related to wildfire, drought, and extreme heat. Our city must proactively mitigate these risks and enhance our resilience to climate change impacts. Inspired by the LA County Commission's focus areas, I would like to offer the following recommendations for your consideration:

1. Strengthening Fire Safety: 

• Review and Update Building Codes: I urge the council to review and update San Jacinto's building codes to ensure they incorporate the latest fire-resistant materials and construction techniques. This will help protect new and existing structures from wildfire threats. 

• Promote Defensible Space: The city should implement community education programs to encourage homeowners to create defensible space around their properties. Exploring incentives for homeowners who implement these measures could further enhance community participation.

• Enhance Vegetation Management: I recommend reviewing the city's vegetation management plan, particularly in high-risk areas. Adequate funding and resources should be allocated to ensure effective vegetation management practices.

• Improve Community Alert Systems: It is critical to ensure San Jacinto has a robust and reliable system for notifying residents of fire dangers and evacuation orders. Regular testing and community outreach are essential. 

2. Ensuring Equitable Recovery:

 • Address Affordable Housing Needs: The council should consider policies that support the development and preservation of affordable housing to minimize displacement in the event of a disaster. This is crucial for ensuring a just and equitable recovery for all residents.

• Explore Insurance Access Solutions: I encourage the city to explore ways to help residents access affordable insurance, particularly in high-risk areas. This might involve partnerships with insurance providers or advocating for state-level solutions.

• Support Vulnerable Populations: It is essential to develop a specific plan to support vulnerable populations in San Jacinto (e.g., the elderly and low-income people) during and after a disaster. This plan should address their unique needs, including evacuation assistance and access to resources.

• Establish Community Resource Centers: Establishing community resource centers that can provide support and information to residents during recovery is a valuable investment in community resilience.

These recommendations will help us better prepare for the challenges of climate change and ensure a more resilient future for our community. I would welcome discussing these issues further with the council and other community members.

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Eric Devezin

Fighting for justice in public policy, and in our society.

Trump hasn’t even been in office for two weeks and he, Vice President Vance, and their extremist enablers have already wreaked havoc on our political system—with lawless efforts to execute the white supremacist, misogynistic, and racist plans they laid out in their Project 2025 playbook. We can’t be complacent.