Oregon — President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential determination granting a one-year exemption for U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations from certain water pollution control requirements in Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada.
The exemption, issued under the authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, applies to federal, state, interstate, and local regulations governing the control and abatement of water pollution. It took effect April 20, 2026, and will remain in place through April 20, 2027.
According to the determination, the president concluded the exemption is in the “paramount interest of the United States.” The directive allows Air Force training activities to proceed without being subject to certain permitting requirements or enforcement actions tied to water pollution controls.
The order does not apply to all provisions of federal law. Requirements under sections 1316 and 1317 of the statute—covering national performance standards and toxic pollutant controls—remain in effect.
The decision comes as aspects of the training operations are being challenged in federal court in the case Oregon Natural Desert Association v. Meink, which involves environmental concerns tied to military activity in the region.
The memorandum also clarifies that the exemption does not determine whether permits would otherwise be required under existing law and does not limit the enforcement of other applicable legal requirements.
The Secretary of the Air Force has been directed to publish the determination in the Federal Register.
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