EPA has a new policy to broaden its consulting efforts with intergovernmental partners when new regulations and policies cost more than $25 million each, according to an agency press release. This is a significant lowering of the previous consultation threshold of $100 million, according to EPA.

EPA’s action comes at a time when state and local officials are calling for a stronger working relationship with their federal partners in solving many of today’s major environmental challenges. The National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, the International City/County Management Association and the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently issued a joint statement urging the incoming Administration to “adopt a policy of constructive engagement” and to “cooperate and consult with state and local leaders.”

These seven associations, along with three others (National Association of Towns and Townships, County Executives of America, and Environmental Council of the States), constitute the group of 10 organizations with whom EPA will consult under its new Federalism policy.