On Wednesday April 6, 2021, in a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court justices stayed a California district court’s October 21, 2021 decision to vacate the Section 401 Water Quality Certification Rule (401 WQC Rule), pending appellate, including U.S. Supreme Court, review.  The 401 WQC Rule is used, among other things, to authorize various nationwide permits and has significant implications for energy development projects.  In addition to the California litigation, a direct challenge to nationwide permit 12, which authorizes certain oil and gas pipeline activities, is pending before a Montana federal court.  Recent briefing has pointed out that without access to streamlined nationwide permits, energy development projects, including renewable ones, may be hindered.  

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