What does the term 'primacy' refer to in the context of IDEM and the EPA?

The term 'primacy' in the context of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refers to the ability of IDEM to implement and enforce water quality standards. When a state like Indiana has primacy, it means that IDEM can enforce regulations that meet or exceed the standards set by the EPA. This arrangement allows the state to take charge of its water quality management while still being held accountable to federal standards, ensuring that water quality is effectively maintained at a high level.

This framework encourages state-level management and innovation while ensuring that states cannot set less stringent standards than those required by federal law. Thus, states that have primacy can tailor their approaches to local needs, provided they uphold the fundamental protections established by the EPA. The relationship supports a system where both levels of government work together to safeguard water resources while allowing the states some autonomy in their regulatory processes.