Silver Spring, Md., and Washington, D.C. — The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Md., and the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA), Washington, D.C., are petitioning a federal appeals court to allow them to file a joint amicus brief in support of a recent final rule issued by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The rule, which is called the Final Rule on Research, Development and Demonstration Permits for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills, is being challenged by the Grass Roots Recycling Network, which has filed a petition for judicial review of the rule with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The rule allows states to issue variances from landfill criteria to promote innovation in landfill technology, as long as such variances are deemed not to increase risk to humans and the environment.

"SWANA is pleased to join with the NSWMA in filing this petition," says John H. Skinner, executive director and CEO of SWANA. "The EPA, through this rule, has given states real opportunity, through innovation, to advance the environmentally and economically sound management of municipal solid waste landfills. This rule will benefit the public and the environment at large and it is important that we join in its defense."

"EPA has done an excellent job of using its authority to provide for innovation while fully protecting human health, safety and the environment," says Bruce Parker, president and CEO of NSWMA. "We are pleased to support EPA in this matter and are joining SWANA in this effort that holds significant consequences for the members of both associations and the solid waste industry as a whole."