… The City’s aging combined sewer infrastructure – and the increasing cost to maintain it – forced San Francisco into an odd position on the wrong side of clean water advocacy. This recently culminated in March 2025. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of San Francisco in its case against the EPA, significantly limiting the federal government’s ability to enforce water quality standards nationwide.  The case began when San Francisco challenged EPA regulations to avoid penalties for discharging sewage into the Bay and Pacific Ocean from its combined sewer system. The city argued that the Clean Water Act doesn’t authorize the EPA to include broad “end-result” requirements in permits—essentially fighting for less oversight of its pollution. … While the Supreme Court decision represents a significant setback for clean water protections nationwide, it also creates an opportunity for grassroots action. Cities across America, including San Francisco, can voluntarily implement so-called “Green Infrastructure” solutions that reduce pollution without waiting for federal mandates.