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David Schatz

Partner

Spencer Fane attorney David Schatz square

T 816.292.8163
F 816.474.3216
dschatz@spencerfane.com

Federal Court Halts Wetland Permitting – Nationwide Permit 12 (Utility Activities)

Pipeline companies, utilities, engineers, builders and land developers, and other construction companies that rely on Nationwide Permit (NWP) 12 for utility line and trenching activities in and around potential wetland areas will need to carefully re-evaluate their ability to conduct work under this general permitting tool.  This is because on April 15, 2020, a federal district court vacated NWP 12 and determined that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) had not adequately considered impacts in issuing the 2017 permit under the federal Endangered Species Act.  As a result of this court ruling, pipeline and utility infrastructure projects that rely on NWP 12 may be impacted.

Kansas City Passes Ordinance Requiring Building Owners to Disclose Energy and Water Usage

On June 4, 2015, by a 12-1 vote, the City Council of Kansas City, Missouri, passed the Energy Empowerment Ordinance (No. 150299) that will require building owners to disclose energy and water usage.