national association home builders et al defenders wildlife et argued april decided june clean water act cwa petitioner environmental protection agency epa initially administers state national pollution discharge elimination system npdes permitting program cwa provides epa shall approve transfer permitting authority state upon application showing state met nine specified criteria section endangered species act esa requires federal agencies consult agencies designated secretaries commerce interior insure proposed agency action unlikely jeopardize endangered threatened species fish wildlife service fws national marine fisheries service nmfs administer esa consultation process complete written biological opinion issued may suggest alternative actions protect jeopardized species critical habitat arizona officials sought epa authorization administer state npdes program epa initiated consultation fws determine whether transfer adversely affect listed species fws regional office wanted potential impacts taken account epa disagreed finding mandatory nature stripped authority disapprove transfer based considerations dispute referred agencies national offices resolution fws biological opinion concluded requested transfer jeopardize listed species epa concluded arizona met nine criteria approved transfer noting biological opinion concluded consultation required esa respondents sought review ninth circuit petitioner national association home builders intervened part respondent defenders wildlife separate action consolidated suit held epa transfer approval arbitrary capricious epa relied contradictory positions regarding responsibilities administrative process rather remanding case agency explain decision however reviewed epa substantive construction statutes dispute arizona met cwa nine criteria nevertheless concluded esa required epa determine whether transfer decision jeopardize listed species effect adding tenth criterion dismissed argument epa approval subject discretionary action cfr interpretative regulation thus vacated epa transfer decision held ninth circuit determination epa action arbitrary capricious fairly supported record vacate agency decision arbitrary capricious standard unless agency relied factors congress intended consider entirely failed consider important aspect problem offered explanation decision runs counter evidence agency implausible ascribed difference view product agency expertise motor vehicle mfrs assn state farm mut automobile ins ninth circuit concluded epa decision internally inconsistent statements review process federal courts ordinarily empowered review agency final action fact local agency representative preliminary determination later overruled higher agency level render decisionmaking process arbitrary capricious epa final approval notice stating required consultation process concluded may inconsistent previously expressed position position litigation consultation requirement triggered transfer application type error requiring remand time statement issued epa fws already consulted question whether consultation required germane final agency decision thus need delay permitting authority transfer remanding agency clarification respondents suggest epa nullified right participate application proceedings altering legal position pendency transfer decision associated litigation suggest deprived right comment comment period made available epa regulations pp duty covers discretionary agency actions attach actions like npdes permitting transfer authorization agency required statute undertake certain specified triggering events occurred pp first glance legislative commands irreconcilable section shall approve language mandatory list exclusive nine specified criteria satisfied epa discretion deny transfer application section similarly imperative language literally add tenth criterion pp later enacted statute esa sometimes operate amend even repeal earlier statutory provision cwa repeals implication favored presumed unless legislature intention repeal clear manifest watt alaska statutory repeal inferred unless later statute expressly contradict original act construction absolutely necessary give later statute words meaning traynor turnage otherwise statute dealing narrow precise specific subject submerged later enacted statute covering generalized spectrum radzanower touche ross ninth circuit reading effectively repeal mandate epa shall issue permit whenever nine exclusive statutory prerequisites met section set minimum requirements affirmatively mandates transfer approval thus operating ceiling well floor adding additional criterion ninth circuit raises floor alters statute command read broadly ninth circuit construction also partially override every federal statute mandating agency action subjecting action condition jeopardize listed species pp title cfr promulgated nmfs fws applying actions discretionary federal involvement control emphasis added harmonizes cwa esa giving effect esa mandate whenever agency discretion agency forbidden considering extrastatutory factors owes degree deference secretary reasonable interpretation esa babbitt sweet home chapter communities great deference due congress made intent clear statutory text chevron natural resources defense council statute silent ambiguous question whether agency answer based permissible construction statute meaning ambiguity certain words phrases may become evident context fda brown williamson tobacco must read statutory backdrop many mandatory agency directives whose operation implicitly abrogate repeal construed broadly ninth circuit reading leaves fundamental ambiguity agency simultaneously obey differing mandates esa cwa consequently statutory language read light canon implied repeals provide clear guidance command must give way thus appropriate look implementing agency expert interpretation harmonizes statutes applying guide agencies existing discretionary authority reading override express statutory mandates interpretation reasonable light statute text overall statutory scheme therefore entitled chevron deference regulation focus discretionary actions accords commonsense conclusion agency required something statute simply lacks power insure action jeopardize listed species basic principle department transportation public citizen agency considered legal cause action statutory discretion take supports reasonableness fws interpretation pp respondents contrary position supported tva hill occasion answer question presented cases pp also unavailing argument epa decision transfer npdes permitting authority arizona represented discretionary agency action epa may exercise judgment determining whether state shown carry enumerated criteria statute clearly grant discretion add another entirely separate prerequisite list nothing authorizes epa consider protection listed species end evaluating transfer application extent criteria may result environmental benefits marine species arizona satisfied criteria respondents argument also disclaimed fws nmfs agencies primarily charged administering drafters regulations implementing section pp reversed remanded alito delivered opinion roberts scalia kennedy thomas joined stevens filed dissenting opinion souter ginsburg breyer joined breyer filed dissenting opinion national association home builders et petitioners defenders wildlife et al environmental protection agency petitioner defenders wildlife et al writs certiorari appeals ninth circuit june justice alito delivered opinion cases concern interplay two federal environmental statutes section clean water act requires environmental protection agency transfer certain permitting powers state authorities upon application showing nine specified criteria met section endangered species act provides federal agency must consult agencies designated secretaries commerce interior order insure action authorized funded carried agency likely jeopardize continued existence endangered species threatened species question presented whether effectively operates tenth criterion transfer permitting power first statute must conditioned conclude transfer permitting authority state authorities exercise authority continuing federal oversight ensure compliance relevant mandates endangered species act federal environmental protection statutes proper therefore reverse judgment appeals ninth circuit clean water act cwa stat et established national pollution discharge elimination system npdes designed prevent harmful discharges nation waters environmental protection agency epa initially administers npdes permitting system state state may apply transfer permitting authority state officials see see also policy congress stat implement permit progra sectio title authority transferred state officials federal epa primary responsibility reviewing approving npdes discharge permits albeit continuing epa cwa governor state desiring administer permit program discharges navigable waters within jurisdiction may submit epa full complete description program proposes establish administer state law interstate compact well certification laws state provide adequate authority carry described program section provides epa shall approve submitted program transfer permitting authority state unless determines adequate authority exist ensure nine specified criteria satisfied ibid criteria relate whether state agency responsible permitting requisite authority state law administer npdes criteria met transfer must approved endangered species act esa stat amended et intended protect conserve endangered threatened species habitats section esa directs secretaries commerce interior list threatened endangered species designate critical habitats fish wildlife service fws administers esa respect species jurisdiction secretary interior national marine fisheries service nmfs administers esa respect species jurisdiction secretary commerce see cfr section esa prescribes steps federal agencies must take ensure actions jeopardize endangered wildlife flora section provides ach federal agency shall consultation assistance secretary commerce interior insure action authorized funded carried agency hereinafter section referred action likely jeopardize continued existence endangered species threatened species consultation process contemplated completed secretary required give agency written biological opinion setting forth secretary opinion summary information opinion based detailing agency action affects species critical habitat see also cfr secretary concludes agency action place listed species jeopardy adversely modify critical habitat secretary shall suggest reasonable prudent alternatives believes violate taken federal agency implementing agency action see also cfr regulations promulgated jointly secretaries commerce interior provide order qualify reasonable prudent alternative alternative course action must able implemented way consistent scope federal agency legal authority jurisdiction following issuance jeopardy opinion agency must either terminate action implement proposed alternative seek exemption endangered species committee pursuant regulations also provide section requirements part apply actions discretionary federal involvement control cfr february arizona officials applied epa authorization administer state npdes epa initiated consultation fws determine whether transfer permitting authority adversely affect listed species fws regional office concluded transfer authority cause direct impact water quality adversely affect listed species app pet cert however fws office concerned transfer result issuance discharge permits lead development turn indirect adverse effect habitat certain upland species cactus ferruginous pima pineapple cactus specifically fws feared consultation requirement apply permitting decisions state transfer authority empower arizona officials issue individual permits without considering mitigating indirect impact upland species fws regional office therefore urged considering proposed transfer permitting authority involved consultation process take potential indirect impacts account epa disagreed maintaining approval action administrative transfer authority cause future impacts endangered species projects requiring state npdes permits factual matter epa believed link transfer permitting authority potential harm result increased development attenuated legal matter epa concluded mandatory nature cwa directs epa shall approve transfer request section nine statutory criteria met stripped authority disapprove transfer based considerations pursuant procedures set forth memorandum understanding agencies dispute referred agencies national offices resolution december fws issued biological opinion concluded requested transfer cause jeopardy listed species opinion reasoned loss section conservation benefits indirect effect authorization action loss conservation benefit caused epa decision approve state arizona program rather absence section process exists respect federal npdes permits reflects congress decision grant right administer programs state law provided state program meets requirements clean water act addition fws opined epa continuing oversight arizona permitting program along statutory protections adequately protect listed species habitats following transfer epa concluded arizona met nine statutory criteria listed approved transfer permitting authority notice announcing approval transfer epa noted issuance fws biological opinion conclude consultation process required esa section reflects fws agreement epa approval state program meets substantive requirements esa april respondents filed petition appeals ninth circuit seeking review transfer pursuant allows private parties seek direct review epa determinations regarding state permitting programs federal courts appeals granted petitioner national association homebuilders leave intervene respondent case respondent defenders wildlife also filed separate action district district arizona alleging among things biological opinion issued fws support proposed transfer comply esa standards district severed claim transferred appeals ninth circuit consolidated case suit challenging epa transfer see divided panel ninth circuit held epa approval transfer arbitrary capricious epa relied administrative proceedings legally contradictory positions regarding section obligations concluded epa fail ed understand authority section act behalf listed species habitat two propositions underlie epa action must esa consult concerning transfers cwa permitting authority permitted matter law take account impact listed species making transfer decision true therefore concluded required remand agency plausible explanation decision based single coherent interpretation statute panel majority however follow course action rather panel went review epa substantive construction statutes issue held esa granted epa power duty determine whether transfer decision jeopardize threatened endangered species panel dispute arizona met nine criteria set forth cwa panel nevertheless concluded esa provided affirmative grant authority attend protection listed species effect adding tenth criterion specified panel dismissed argument epa approval transfer application subject discretionary action within meaning cfr interpreting apply agency actions discretionary federal involvement control viewed fws regulation merely coterminous express statutory language encompassing agency actions funded carried agency quoting grounds granted petition vacated epa transfer decision dissent judge thompson explained transfer decision discretionary action cfr clean water act terms permits epa consider nine specified factors state proposed permitting program meets enumerated requirements reasoned epa administrator approve program ongressional directive permit epa impose additional conditions ninth circuit denied rehearing rehearing en banc writing six judges dissented denial rehearing en banc judge kozinski disagreed panel conclusion epa analysis internally inconsistent arbitrary capricious noted panel correct point proper resolution remand epa explanation statutory question judge kozinski echoed judge thompson conclusion nine criteria set forth cwa satisfied transfer mandatory nondiscretionary rejected panel majority broad construction esa concluding esa powerful majority contends modify epa obligation cwa every categorical mandate applicable every federal agency ninth circuit construction odds courts appeals compare case platte river whooping crane critical habitat maintenance trust ferc cadc american forest paper association epa granted certiorari resolve conflict reverse ii addressing question statutory interpretation however first consider whether appeals erred holding epa transfer decision arbitrary capricious words agencies involved decision relied legally contradictory positions regarding section obligations app pet cert initial matter note epa action arbitrary capricious ninth circuit held proper course remand agency clarification reasons see gonzales thomas per curiam indeed expressly recognized finding required remand agency plausible explanation decision based single coherent interpretation statute app pet cert ninth circuit take course instead jumped ahead resolve merits dispute erroneously deprived agency usual administrative avenue explaining reconciling arguably contradictory rationales sometimes appear course lengthy complex administrative decisions need examine question however conclude ninth circuit determination epa action arbitrary capricious fairly supported record review arbitrary capricious standard deferential vacate agency decision unless relied factors congress intended consider entirely failed consider important aspect problem offered explanation decision runs counter evidence agency implausible ascribed difference view product agency expertise motor vehicle mfrs assn state farm mut automobile ins however decision less ideal clarity agency path may reasonably discerned ibid quoting bowman freight system appeals concluded epa decision internally inconsistent view agency stated preliminary review arizona transfer application federal register notice memorializing final action section requires consultation regarding effect permitting transfer listed species app pet cert regard various statements made involved agencies regional offices early stages consideration inconsistency respondents point fact agencies changed minds something long proper procedures followed fully entitled federal courts ordinarily empowered review agency final action see fact preliminary determination local agency representative later overruled higher level within agency render decisionmaking process arbitrary capricious respondents also point final federal register notice memorializing epa approval arizona transfer application notice stated fws issuance biological opinion conclude consultation process required esa section app pet cert respondents contend statement inconsistent epa previously expressed position position throughout litigation consultation requirement triggered transfer application cwa persuaded statement constitutes type error requires remand time federal register statement issued epa already consulted fws arizona application question whether consultation required opposed voluntarily undertaken agency simply germane final agency transfer decision federal register statement short dictum bearing final agency action respondents challenge mindful congress admonition reviewing agency action due account shall taken rule prejudicial error believe stray statement effect underlying agency action challenged requires delay transfer permitting authority arizona remanding agency clarification see also pdk drug enforcement cadc administrative law federal civil criminal litigation harmless error rule disagree respondents suggestion allegedly altering legal position arizona transfer decision associated litigation pending epa effectively nullifying respondents rights participate administrative proceedings concerning arizona application particularly respondents rights epa regulations comment npdes transfer applications brief respondents citing cfr emphasis deleted consistent epa regulations agency made available comment period less days interested members public express views state program respondents suggest deprived right comment respondents also contend case remanded epa raise additional challenges including example challenge epa provision financial assistance arizona administration npdes program however explained agency action separate independent agency decision authorize transfer permitting authority pursuant see infra express opinion viability separate administrative legal challenge actions iii turn substantive statutory question raised petitions question requires us mediate clash seemingly categorical first glance irreconcilable legislative commands section cwa provides without qualification epa shall approve transfer application unless determines state lacks adequate authority perform nine functions specified section terms statutory language mandatory list exclusive nine specified criteria satisfied epa discretion deny transfer application cf lopez davis noting congress use mandatory impose discretionless obligations lexecon milberg weiss bershad hynes lerach mandatory normally creates obligation impervious judicial discretion association civil technicians flra cadc word generally indicates command admits discretion part person instructed carry directive black law dictionary ed used statutes word generally imperative mandatory neither respondents ninth circuit ever disputed arizona satisfied nine criteria see brief respondents language esa similarly imperative provides ach federal agency shall consultation assistance secretary insure action authorized funded carried agency likely jeopardize endangered threatened species habitats mandate carried consultation may require agency adopt alternative course action author panel opinion recognized applying language literally ad one additional requirement list considerations clean water act permitting transfer provision berzon concurring denial rehearing en banc emphasis original effectively repeal mandatory exclusive list criteria set forth replace new expanded list includes requirement later enacted statute esa sometimes operate amend even repeal earlier statutory provision cwa repeals implication favored presumed unless intention legislature repeal clear manifest watt alaska internal quotation marks omitted infer statutory repeal unless later statute expressly contradict original act unless construction absolutely necessary order words later statute shall meaning traynor turnage quoting radzanower touche ross turn quoting sedgwick interpretation construction statutory constitutional law ed see also branch smith implied repeal found provisions two statutes conflict latter act covers whole subject earlier one clearly intended posadas national city bank intention legislature repeal must clear manifest outside limited circumstances statute dealing narrow precise specific subject submerged later enacted statute covering generalized spectrum radzanower supra reading appeals effectively repeal statutory mandate engrafting tenth criterion onto section cwa commands epa shall issue permit whenever nine exclusive statutory prerequisites met thus set forth minimum requirements transfer permitting authority affirmatively mandates transfer shall approved specified criteria met provision operates ceiling well floor adding additional criterion ninth circuit construction raises floor alters statutory ninth circuit reading abrogate statutory mandate also result implicit repeal many additional otherwise categorical statutory commands section terms applies action authorized funded carried federal agency covering effect almost anything agency might reading provision broadly thus partially override every federal statute mandating agency action subjecting action condition pose jeopardy endangered species see platte river whooping crane critical habitat maintenance trust ferc considering whether overrides federal power act prohibition amending annual power licenses language explicitly repeal provision cwa statute reading might worth runs foursquare presumption implied repeals agencies charged implementing esa attempted resolve tension regulations implementing nmfs fws acting jointly behalf secretaries commerce interior following rulemaking procedures promulgated regulation stating section requirements part apply actions discretionary federal involvement control cfr emphasis added pursuant regulation read impliedly repealing nondiscretionary statutory mandates even might result agency action rather esa requirements come play action results exercise agency discretion interpretation harmonizes statutes giving effect esa mandate whenever agency discretion agency forbidden considering extrastatutory factors recognized latitude esa gives secretary enforcing statute together degree regulatory expertise necessary enforcement establishes owe degree deference secretary reasonable interpretation statutory scheme babbitt sweet home chapter communities great deference appropriate congress directly addressed precise question issue statutory text chevron natural resources defense council intent congress clear end matter well agency must give effect unambiguously expressed intent congress however statute silent ambiguous respect specific issue question whether agency answer based permissible construction statute footnotes omitted making threshold determination chevron reviewing confine examining particular statutory provision isolation fda brown williamson tobacco rather meaning ambiguity certain words phrases may become evident placed context canon statutory construction words statute must read context view place overall statutory scheme quoting davis michigan dept treasury must therefore read esa statutory backdrop many mandatory agency directives whose operation implicitly abrogate repeal construed broadly ninth circuit read way left fundamental ambiguity resolved statutory text agency simultaneously obey differing mandates set forth esa cwa consequently statutory language read light canon implied repeals provide clear guidance command must give way situation appropriate look implementing agency expert interpretation cabins application actions discretionary federal involvement control cfr reading harmonizes statutes applying guide agencies existing discretionary authority reading override express statutory mandates conclude interpretation reasonable light statute text overall statutory scheme therefore entitled deference chevron section requires agency insure actions authorizes funds carries likely jeopardize listed species habitats insure something recognized means make certain secure guarantee thing event quoting oxford english dictionary ed regulation focus discretionary actions accords commonsense conclusion agency required something statute simply lacks power insure action jeopardize endangered species reasoning supported decision department transportation public citizen case concerned safety regulations promulgated federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa effect triggering presidential directive allowing mexican trucks ply trade roads held national environmental policy act nepa require agency assess environmental effects allowing trucks entry legally relevant cause entry mexican trucks fmcsa action instead actions president lifting moratorium congress granting president authority simultaneously limiting fmcsa discretion emphasis original concluded agency ability prevent certain effect due limited statutory authority relevant actions agency considered legally relevant effect suggest public citizen controls outcome unlike nepa imposes substantive procedural statutory requirement cases involve agency action directly related environmental concerns fmcsa truck safety regulations basic principle announced public citizen agency considered legal cause action statutory discretion take supports reasonableness fws interpretation reaching discretionary agency actions see also california holding statutory requirement federal operating agencies conform state water usage rules applied extent inconsistent congressional directives simply disregarded interpretation esa reach dismissing regulation reference merely congruent statutory reference actions funded carried agency reading right agency discretion presumes agency exercise judgment connection particular action see citizens preserve overton park volpe see also random house dictionary english language unabridged ed discretion defined power right decide act according one judgment freedom judgment choice mandatory language illustrates every action authorized funded carried federal agency product agency exercise discretion dissent interpretation similarly implausible dissent read regulation simply clarifying discretionary agency actions included within scope confining statute reach actions see post reading render regulation entirely superfluous nothing either agency regulations interpreting section see suggests discretionary actions excluded scope esa thus need separate regulation bring within statute scope dissent reading reference discretionary federal involvement mere surplusage cautioned reading text way makes part redundant see trw andrews history regulation also supports reading defer today dissent points proposed version initially stated section requirements part apply actions federal involvement control fed reg emphasis added secretary interior modified language provide adopted final rule issue statuory requirements apply actions discretionary federal involvement control fed reg emphasis added dissent reading rob word discretionary effect substitute earlier proposed version regulation text actually adopted short read mean says duty covers discretionary agency actions attach actions like npdes permitting transfer authorization agency required statute undertake certain specified triggering events occurred reading reasonable inasmuch gives effect esa provision also comports canon implied repeals stays mandate effectively override otherwise mandatory statutory duties respondents argue opinion tva hill supports contrary position case held esa prohibited tennessee valley authority tva putting operation tellico dam despite fact agency already spent million nearly completed project threatened critical habitat endangered snail darter language respondents rely concluded ordinary meaning esa contained exemptions reflected conscious decision congress give endangered species priority missions federal agencies tva hill however occasion answer question presented cases case decided almost decade adoption regulations contained cfr event construction project issue tva hill expensive also discretionary tva argued continuing make appropriations tva informally earmarked tellico dam project congress implicitly repealed requirement applied project see rejected argument concluding appropriations acts identify projects sums appropriated reports congressional committees allegedly directing tva complete project lacked force law central decision conclusion congress mandate tva put dam operation statutory command effect therefore basis contending applying esa requirement implicitly repeal another affirmative congressional tva hill thus supports position expressed esa mandate applies every discretionary agency action regardless expense burden application might impose case speak question whether applies actions like one issue regulation set forth cfr addressed question defer reasonable interpretation iv finally respondents amici argue even read apply discretionary agency actions decision transfer npdes permitting authority arizona represented exercise discretion contend epa decision authorize transfer entirely mechanical involves exercise judgment whether state met criteria set forth criteria incorporate references wildlife conservation bring consideration mandate properly within agency discretion argument unavailing epa may exercise judgment determining whether state demonstrated authority carry enumerated statutory criteria statute clearly grant discretion add another entirely separate prerequisite list nothing text authorizes epa consider protection threatened endangered species end evaluating transfer application extent criteria may result environmental benefits marine dispute arizona satisfied statutory criteria respondents argument disclaimed epa also fws nmfs two agencies primarily charged administering drafters regulations implementing section agency recently issued formal letter concluding authorization npdes permitting transfer kind discretionary agency action covered see app pet cert agency interpretation meaning regulations entitled deference unless plainly erroneous inconsistent regulation auer robbins internal quotation marks omitted deferential standard plainly met applying chevron defer agency reasonable interpretation esa applying actions discretionary federal involvement control cfr since transfer npdes permitting authority discretionary rather mandated state met criteria set forth cwa follows transfer npdes permitting authority trigger consultation requirements accordingly judgment appeals ninth circuit reversed cases remanded proceedings consistent opinion national association home builders et petitioners defenders wildlife et al environmental protection agency petitioner defenders wildlife et al writs certiorari appeals ninth circuit june justice stevens justice souter justice ginsburg justice breyer join dissenting cases present problem conflicting shalls one hand clean water act cwa provides environmental protection agency epa shall approve state application administer national pollution discharge elimination system npdes permitting program unless determines nine criteria satisfied hand shortly passage cwa congress enacted endangered species act esa commands federal agencies shall insure actions jeopardize endangered species faced competing statutory mandates duty give full effect possible see morton mancari hen two statutes capable duty courts absent clearly expressed congressional intention contrary regard effective fails task opinion unsuccessfully tries reconcile cwa esa relying federal regulation cfr reads limiting reach discretionary federal actions see ante reading inconsistent text history fundamentally inconsistent esa celebrated snail darter case tva hill held esa reveals conscious decision congress give endangered species priority missions federal agencies consistent intent chief justice burger exceptionally thorough admirable opinion explained admits exception creating precisely exception exempting nondiscretionary federal actions esa coverage whittles away congress comprehensive effort protect endangered species risk extinction fails give act intended effect first giving hill attention deserves comment irrelevance cases offer available ways give effect cwa esa done conclude explaining cases remanded epa proceedings hill presented two separate questions whether esa required enjoin operation nearly completed tellico dam reservoir project secretary interior determined operation eradicate small endangered fish known snail darter whether congressional appropriations completion tellico dam constituted implied repeal esa least insofar applied dam pages opinion explain affirmative answer first question see four pages sufficed explain negative answer second see ruling first question relevant cases us refusal hold esa impliedly repealed majority strangely deems significant see ante answering hill first question discuss implied repeals contrary portion opinion contained definitive interpretation esa concluded language history structure esa indicates beyond doubt congress intended endangered species afforded highest priorities see also dominant theme pervading congressional discussion proposed esa overriding need devote whatever effort resources necessary avoid diminution national worldwide wildlife quoting coggins conserving wildlife resources overview endangered species act rev emphasis added hill respect particular opinion clearer plainly held admits exception emphasis added opinion hill explained length imposed obligations federal agencies ensure actions authorized funded carried jeopardize continued existence endangered species emphasis deleted internal quotation marks omitted word opinion stated suggested obligations inapplicable mandatory agency actions threaten eradication endangered species opinion describe tennessee valley authority tva attempted completion tellico dam discretionary act secretary interior declared snail darter endangered species whose critical habitat destroyed operation tellico dam tva surely obligated spend additional funds congress appropriated complete unconcerned whether agency action mandatory discretionary simply held esa reveals explicit congressional decision require agencies afford first priority declared national policy saving endangered species pointed omission type qualifying language previously included endangered species legislation reveals conscious decision congress give endangered species priority missions federal emphasis added fact also concluded congressional appropriations impliedly repeal esa provides support majority contention obligations imposed may limited discretionary acts passages relevant parts hill belie suggestion noting oddity holding interest protecting survival relatively small number fish require permanent halting virtually completed dam congress expended million found explicit provisions endangered species act require precisely result continued one hard pressed find statutory provision whose terms plainer endangered species act words affirmatively command federal agencies insure actions authorized funded carried jeopardize continued existence endangered species destruction modification habitat species quoting ed emphasis added hill also reviewed esa history identify variety exceptions included earlier legislation unenacted proposals omitted final version statute explained earlier endangered species legislation qualified obligation federal agencies act purposefully omitted phrases might qualified agency responsibilities moreover observing esa creates limited number hardship exemptions see none apply federal agencies applied maxim expressio unius est expression alterius conclude exemptions endangered species act federal agencies today however countenances exemption erroneously concludes esa contains unmentioned exception nondiscretionary agency action statute command enjoin completion tellico dam depended unmentioned fact tva attempting perform discretionary act text esa opinion hill compel contrary determination congress intended esa apply federal agencies actions authorized funded carried emphasis deleted transfer npdes permitting authority cwa undoubtedly one actions authorized carried federal agency see cfr defining action activities programs kind authorized funded carried whole part federal agencies upon high seas examples include limited actions directly indirectly causing modifications land water air follows hill applies npdes transfers whether mandatory discretionary ii given unequivocal holding hill esa first priority federal action statute yield cwa statute must yield unless truly incapable coexistence see morton therefore assuming cwa contains mandatory command first try harmonize provision mandatory requirements esa solution rely cfr section requirements part apply actions discretionary federal involvement control explains regulation harmonizes statutes giving effect esa mandate whenever agency discretion lifting mandate agency forbidden considering extrastatutory factors ante harmony certainly effect rather giving genuine effect permits wholesale limitation reach esa interpretation conflicts text history regulation well interpretation snail darter case begin plain language state coverage limited discretionary actions quite opposite natural reading text confirms broad construction endorsed opinion hill indeed way read accordance facts case holding admits exception eliminates possible argument esa extend situations discretionary federal involvement marginal simply mistaken says reads mean says duty covers discretionary agency actions ante emphasis added fact says word addition text agency moreover text surely go say duty attach actions like npdes permitting transfer authorization agency required statute undertake certain specified triggering events occurred ibid drafters regulation intended change law surely said using language similar uses today nothing proceedings led promulgation regulation suggests reason limiting understanding scope coverage epa codified current version part general redrafting esa regulations notice proposed rulemaking proposed version stated requirements part apply actions federal involvement control fed reg without explanation final rule inserted word discretionary federal involvement control fed reg clearly secretary interior meant limit understanding scope coverage promulgating regulation intent mentioned somewhere text regulations contemporaneous comment see national cable telecommunications assn brand internet services holding agency free within limits reasoned interpretation change course adequately justifies change motor vehicle mfrs assn state farm mut automobile ins frequently reiterated agency must cogently explain exercised discretion given manner yet final rule said nothing limiting reach decision hill mention change notice proposed rulemaking assume regulation mean notice proposed rulemaking says section applies discretionary federal action discretionary action explanation agency provided following section explains applicability section implicitly covers federal activities within territorial jurisdiction upon high seas result definition explanation scope term provided discussion fed reg statement directs us two sources definition action explanation scope term ibid confirm intent draw distinction discretionary nondiscretionary actions section provides relevant part action means activities programs kind authorized funded carried whole part federal agencies upon high seas examples include limited actions intended conserve listed species habitat promulgation regulations second third emphases added actions either described sometimes mandatory sometimes discretionary likewise italicized portions indicate term action expressly refers agency activities programs kind regardless whether discretionary mandatory reading term discretionary limitation action creates contradiction epa final rule explanation scope term fully consistent interpretation explanation plainly federal actions including programs subject consultation requirements section affect listed species critical habitats fed reg emphasis added regulation say discretionary federal actions evince intent limit scope way rather restates esa applies federal actions notice proposed rulemaking explanation scope word action therefore strong indication reading discretionary contrary intended meaning even stronger indication fact point administrative proceedings cases epa even mention initial matter worth emphasizing even epa relied interpretation esa entitled deference chevron natural resources defense council charged administering statute long recognized considerable weight accorded executive department construction statutory scheme entrusted administer emphasis added department treasury flra cadc hen agency interprets statute entrusted administer interpretation entitled deference departments interior commerce epa charged administering esa see babbitt sweet home chapter communities great epa conceded department interior biological opinion discuss cfr address question whether consultation produced biological opinion required esa pet cert see app never mentioning left unfavorable administrative record epa lean fact department interior recently clarified position regarding different administrative proceeding see pet cert pp recent ish wildlife service ational marine fisheries service communications regarding alaska pending transfer application reflect agencies considered interpretations cfr app pet cert pp see also ante long held however courts may affirm agency action grounds adopted agency administrative proceedings see sec chenery majority ignores hoary principle administrative law substitutes interpretation relevant agency reason alone cases remanded agency reasons given used harmonize cwa esa iii least two ways cwa esa given full effect without privileging one statute text provides first possible way reconciling provision cwa subsection reads federal agency shall consultation assistance secretary insure action authorized funded carried agency hereinafter section referred action likely jeopardize continued existence endangered species threatened species result destruction adverse modification habitat species determined secretary consultation appropriate affected critical unless agency granted exemption action committee pursuant subsection section emphasis added certainly correct use word shall imposes mandatory requirement federal agencies see ante also correct esa mandate carried consultation may require agency adopt alternative course action ante quick conclude however consultation requirement creates irreconcilable conflict provision cwa rushes flawed judgment basic conceptual error error revealed early first paragraph opinion rather attempting find way give effect consultation requirement frames question presented whether effectively operates tenth criterion transfer permitting power first statute must ante alone author ninth circuit opinion also stated esa adds one requirement list considerations clean water act permitting transfer provision berzon concurring denial rehearing en banc emphasis original esa mandate relevant agencies consul interior department consultation process also provides way agencies give effect statutes first step statutory consultation process identify whether endangered species affected agency action agency proposing particular action npdes transfer typically ask secretary interior whether listed species may present area proposed action whether action affect species see entirely possible listed species affected anticipated conflict esa another statute avoided threshold stage however secretary determines proposed action may affect endangered species critical habitat agency must formally consult secretary consultation culminates issuance biological opinion detail agency action affects species critical habitat see also cfr even stage still possible formal consultation reveal agency action jeopardize species see fed reg noting fws rendered jeopardy finding respect transfer permitting authority texas biological opinion concludes agency action put listed species jeopardy however esa contains process resolving competing demands agency action species protection esa provides secretary shall suggest reasonable prudent alternatives believes violate subsection taken federal agency applicant implementing agency action see also cfr agency regulations define easonable prudent alternatives alternative actions identified formal consultation implemented manner consistent intended purpose action implemented consistent scope federal agency legal authority jurisdiction economically technologically feasible director fws believes avoid likelihood jeopardizing continued existence listed species resulting destruction adverse modification critical cfr thus face conflict esa another federal statute esa implementing regulations encourage federal agencies work reasonable alternative let proposed action move forward consistent intended purpose agency legal authority also avoiding violation applied npdes transfer program reasonable prudent alternatives process enable epa department interior develop substitute allow transfer permitting authority jeopardize endangered species stated differently consultation process generate alternative course action whereby transfer still take place required cwa way honor mandatory requirements esa come surprise epa engaged consultations least six times past stated barred finally rare case reasonable prudent alternative found congress provided yet another mechanism resolving conflicts esa proposed agency action shortly decision hill congress amended esa create endangered species committee authorized grant exemptions authority approve extinction endangered species endangered species committee colloquially described god squad god committee light weighty responsibility congress carefully laid requirements god committee factors must consider deciding whether grant final arbiter situations esa conflicts proposed agency action god committee embodies primacy esa mandate serves final mechanism harmonizing act federal statutes creating committee congress recognized conflicts esa may capable resolution without forever sacrifice endangered species time creation last line defense reflects congress view esa yield another federal action except final resort except authorized high level officials serious consideration short else failed two federal statutes incapable resolution congress left choice committee limit esa way majority today epa regulations offer second way harmonize cwa esa epa transferred npdes permitting authority state agency continues oversee state permitting program see arkansas oklahoma congress preserved administrator broad authority oversee state permit programs state permit outside guidelines requirements cwa epa may object block issuance see fed reg given ongoing responsibilities epa enacted regulation requires state enter memorandum agreement moa sets forth particulars agency oversight duties see cfr regulation governing moas contains several detailed requirements instance regulation moa must contain rovisions specifying classes categories permit applications draft permits proposed permits state send epa regional administrator review comment applicable objection rovisions specifying frequency content reports documents information state required submit epa rovisions coordination compliance monitoring activities state epa generally regulation provides moa may include terms conditions agreements relevant administration enforcement state regulatory program moa regulation furthermore epa approve moa restricts statutory oversight responsibility ibid like consultation process described moas provide potential mechanism giving effect esa also allowing transfer permitting authority state important remember epa must approve moa prior transfer npdes authority epa use fact used moa process structure later oversight way allow protect endangered species accordance esa epa might negotiate provision moa require state abide esa requirements issuing pollution permits see brief american fisheries society et al amici curiae maine moa example epa state agreed state permits protect species ensuring compliance state water quality standards alternatively epa require state provide copies draft permits discharges particularly sensitive habitats species discharges contain pollutant threatens wildlife moa might drafted way allow agency object state permits jeopardize endangered species see explaining maine moa includes provision allowing epa object state permit risks harm listed species threatening water quality three many possibilities need identify ways epa use moa process comply esa enough observe moas provide straightforward way give esa full effect without restricting way iv discussed believe incorrectly restricts reach discretionary federal actions see part ii supra even limitation permissible however clear epa authority transfer permitting authority epa administrator authority approve state permit programs pursuant cwa even fit within description category mandatory actions holds covered esa words category includes actions agency required statute undertake certain specified triggering events occurred ante triggering event epa approval simply filing satisfactory description state proposed program see statute commands epa administrator shall approve submitted program unless determines state law satisfy nine specified conditions conditions triggering events potential objections exercise administrator authority perfect example analysis end simply statute uses word shall instead must look closely listed criteria determine whether allow discretion despite use shall rehnquist dissenting opinion snail darter case explains federal statute using word shall sometimes allow room discretion see hill rehnquist dissenting cases significant room discretion epa evaluation nine conditions first criterion example requires epa administrator examine five statutes ensure state adequate authority comply one five statutes turn expressly directs administrator exercise judgment even acknowledges epa must exercise judgment determining whether state demonstrated authority carry enumerated statutory criteria ante however breath dispositive fact statute clearly grant discretion add another entirely separate prerequisite list ibid reasoning flouts logic reading applies discretionary federal actions kind plainly acknowledges epa exercises discretion deciding whether transfer permitting authority state take approach seriously discretion identified must moa regulation described part supra also demonstrates npdes transfer ministerial task suggest agency retains significant discretion content moa course must approved prior transfer instance epa may require state file reports weekly basis monthly basis may require state submit certain classes categories permit applications may include additional terms conditions relevant enforcement npdes program ample room judgment areas epa exercised judgment past approving moas many see approval application maine administer npdes program fed reg approval application maine administer npdes program texas fed reg fact earlier case raising question similar one see american forest paper assn epa epa explained cfr gives discretion approval state pollution control program see brief epa arguing ndicia discretionary involvement control abound regulations agency listed moa regulation prime epa approval state application administer npdes program entails significant indeed abounding discretion find esa applies even flawed theory cases mindful judges must always remain faithful intent legislature chief justice burger closed opinion snail darter case reminder nce meaning enactment discerned constitutionality determined judicial process comes end hill offered definitive interpretation endangered species act nearly years ago case today turns back decision hill places great number endangered species jeopardy including cactus ferruginous pima pineapple cactus issue risk plagiarizing chief justice burger fine opinion think appropriate end opinion quotation attributed sir thomas much relevance today three decades ago quotation illustrates fundamental character rule law embodied esa also pernicious consequences official disobedience rule repetition literary allusion especially appropriate today law roper law know legal right stick legal god currents eddies right wrong find ca navigate voyager thickets law oh forester cut great road law get devil last law devil turned round hide roper laws flat country planted thick laws coast coast man laws god cut really think stand upright winds blow yes give devil benefit law safety sake bolt man seasons act three plays heinemann ed quoted hill although reasons shifted time administrative level federal courts epa insisted requirements esa apply decision transfer permitting authority cwa see app brief petitioner epa explained conclusion contrary text decision tva hill regulation agency since relied upon relies today accordingly hold epa decision arbitrary capricious administrative procedure act see remand agency proceedings consistent opinion respectfully dissent appendix opinion stevens state permit programs time promulgation guidelines required subsection section title governor state desiring administer permit program discharges navigable waters within jurisdiction may submit administrator full complete description program proposes establish administer state law interstate compact addition state shall submit statement attorney general attorney state water pollution control agencies independent legal counsel chief legal officer case interstate agency laws state interstate compact case may provide adequate authority carry described program administrator shall approve submitted program unless determines adequate authority exist issue permits apply insure compliance applicable requirements sections title fixed terms exceeding five years terminated modified cause including limited following violation condition permit ii obtaining permit misrepresentation failure disclose fully relevant facts iii change condition requires either temporary permanent reduction elimination permitted discharge control disposal pollutants wells issue permits apply insure compliance applicable requirements section title inspect monitor enter require reports least extent required section title insure public state waters may affected receive notice application permit provide opportunity public hearing ruling application insure administrator receives notice application including copy thereof permit insure state permitting state whose waters may affected issuance permit may submit written recommendations permitting state administrator respect permit application part written recommendations accepted permitting state permitting state notify affected state administrator writing failure accept recommendations together reasons insure permit issued judgment secretary army acting chief engineers consultation secretary department coast guard operating anchorage navigation navigable waters substantially impaired thereby abate violations permit permit program including civil criminal penalties ways means enforcement insure permit discharge publicly owned treatment works includes conditions require identification terms character volume pollutants significant source introducing pollutants subject pretreatment standards section title works program assure compliance pretreatment standards source addition adequate notice permitting agency new introductions works pollutants source new source defined section title source discharging pollutants new introductions pollutants works source subject section title discharging pollutants substantial change volume character pollutants introduced works source introducing pollutants works time issuance permit notice shall include information quality quantity effluent introduced treatment works anticipated impact change quantity quality effluent discharged publicly owned treatment works insure industrial user publicly owned treatment works comply sections title national association home builders et petitioners defenders wildlife et al environmental protection agency petitioner defenders wildlife et al writs certiorari appeals ninth circuit june justice breyer dissenting join justice stevens dissent reserving judgment whether endangered species act really covers every possible agency action even totally unrelated agencies say discretionary determination internal revenue service whether prosecute settle particular tax liability see time add one additional consideration support dissenting views emphasizes terms statutory language clean water act mandatory list exclusive nine specified criteria satisfied epa discretion deny transfer application ante emphasis added understanding agency action leads believe majority possibly correct concluding structure precludes application epa discretionary action see ante stevens dissenting grants discretionary authority always come implicit limits attached see jaffe judicial control administrative action discretion power make choice permissible class actions likely numerous instances prior enactment statute might implicitly placed species preservation outside limits take one example consider statute granted old federal power commission fpc authority grant certificate public convenience necessity permit natural gas company operate new pipeline see says certificate shall issued qualified applicant therefor found applicant able willing properly acts perform service proposed proposed service required present future public convenience necessity enactment endangered species act stat least uncertain whether fpc withheld certificate simply natural gas pipeline might threaten endangered animal given act language history species preservation naturally fall within terms held endangered species act changed regulatory landscape indicat ing beyond doubt congress intended endangered species afforded highest priorities tva hill emphasis added indeed endangered species act demonstrated conscious decision congress give endangered species priority missions federal agencies given new pipeline potential effect upon habitat landscape seems reasonable believe congress enacted new law fpc successor federal energy regulatory commission act within authority taking effects account take another example food drug administration fda statute exclusive list criteria consider reviewing applications approval new drug see secretary finds investigations include adequate tests methods reasonably applicable show whether drug safe shall issue order refusing approve application preservation endangered species exclusive list criteria yet imagine fda take account grants denies drug approval effect manufacture marketing new drug upon preservation destruction endangered species meaningful difference provision us clean water act statutes mentioned purpose former preserve state natural environment purpose endangered species act shares shared purpose shows must apply clean water act fortiori footnotes together environmental protection agency defenders wildlife et also certiorari footnotes state must advise epa permit proposes issue epa may object permit see also cfr state address epa concerns authority permit reverts epa state must demonstrate ability issue permits apply ensure compliance cwa substantive requirements revocable cause inspect monitor enter facilities require reports extent required cwa provide public notice public hearings ensure epa receives notice permit application ensure state whose waters may affected issuance permit may submit written recommendations written reasons provided recommendations accepted ensure permit issued army corps engineers concludes substantially impair anchoring navigation navigable waters abate violations permits permit program including civil criminal penalties ensure permit discharge publicly owned treatment works includes conditions requiring identification type volume certain pollutants ensure industrial user publicly owned treatment works comply certain cwa substantive provisions time arizona applied epa already transferred permitting authority local authorities several territories terms consultation requirement applies action authorized funded carried federal agenc ies also note agencies involved resolved ambiguity positions going forward following issuance panel opinion epa connection state alaska pending application transfer npdes permitting authority requested confirmation fws nmfs epa position consultation duties esa section apply approval state application administer npdes program apparent hope obtaining agencies views advance processing alaska application may avoid repetition confusion occurred arizona permitting process app pet cert response fws nmfs confirmed understanding need conduct section consultations proposed actions approve state npdes programs actions cause impact listed species constitute discretionary federal agency actions section applies see also nmfs concur epa conclusion epa required engage section consultation applications approve state programs situations section cwa independent right public comment regard consultations conducted consultation process conclude case required see fed reg nothing section authorizes requires service provide public involvement applicant consultation process justice stevens dissenting opinion attempts paper conflict suggesting epa agencies designated secretary interior reconcile commands cwa esa generat ing alternative course action whereby transfer still take place way honor mandatory requirements post example suggests epa condition transfers permitting authority state acceptance additional continuing oversight epa presumably beyond oversight already contemplated cwa statutory language post approach less straightforward rejection transfer application impose conditions npdes transfer beyond set forth thus alter cwa statutory command matter whether alteration characterized amendment partial repeal every amendment statute effects partial repeal extent new statutory command displaces earlier inconsistent commands repeatedly recognized implied amendments favored implied repeals see regional rail reorganization act cases new statute read wholly even partially amending prior one unless exists repugnancy provisions new old quoting penn central transportation supp sp welden amendments implication favored madigan modification implication settled construction earlier different section favored dissent incorrect suggesting secretary interior declared snail darter endangered species tva surely obligated spend additional funds congress appropriated complete project post contrary tva hill found clear repugnancy esa acts appropriating funds tva latter simply require agency use generally appropriated funds complete tellico dam project example requires epa consider whether state legal authority enforce applicable water quality standards turn informed judgment epa administrator see also permit transfer process require scrutiny underlying standards effect marine wildlife state applicant authority issue permits apply insure compliance applicable standards emphasis added event respondents dispute epa fws determined transfer permitting authority arizona officials adverse water quality related impact listed species see app pet cert respondents also contend epa taken take discretionary actions apart transfer authorization implicate esa example argue epa alleged provision funding arizona administration clean water programs kind discretionary agency action subject however assuming true funding decision separate agency action outside scope lawsuit respondents also point fact following transfer permitting authority epa retain oversight authority state permitting process including power object proposed permits fact epa may exercise discretionary oversight authority may trigger consultation obligations transfer mean decision authorizing transfer discretionary footnotes see also babbitt sweet home chapter communities great section requires federal agencies ensure none activities including granting licenses permits jeopardize continued existence endangered species result destruction adverse modification habitat species determined secretary emphasis added misreads sentence overreads decision hill justice alito maintains hill held acts appropriating funds tva require agency use generally appropriated funds complete tellico dam project ante hill said thing case held subsequent appropriation funds tellico dam project overcome mandatory requirements esa hold tva required spend appropriated funds esa never passed see hill esa never enacted stand way completion tellico dam doubt tva finished project congress funded road taken hill also helps clarify interpretation limited discretionary agency action throughout course litigation tva insisted refer actions agency ever take brief petitioner tennessee valley authority hill instead tva sought restrict actions agency reasonable alternatives ibid rejected narrow interpretation stating way sustain tva position ignore ordinary meaning plain language hill see also kilbourne endangered species act microscope closeup look litigator perspective envtl noting agency explain addition word discretionary weller limiting scope endangered species act discretionary federal involvement control section hastings envtl spring petitioner national association home builders nahb points following language final rule indication applies discretionary action federal agency responsibility section permeates full range discretionary authority held agency brief petitoioners nahb et al quoting fed reg however language found different section final rule section describing definition easonable prudent cfr put proper context cited language simply indicates reasonable prudent alternative may involve maximum exercise federal agency authority necessary opinion service avoid jeopardy fed reg enough quoted text supports reading even petitioner reading indicating agency responsibility permeates full range discretionary authority epa confirmed esa covers discretionary actions epa also rely appeals see epa makes argument transfer decision one within meaning cfr may affirm epa transfer decision grounds relied upon agency epa evidently regard excluding transfer decision interpret regulations citations omitted see fed reg approving texas application administer npdes program consultation fws stating epa believes section apply epa action fed reg approving oklahoma npdes application consultation fws stating epa approval state permitting program section clear water act federal action subject consultation requirement see also tr oral arg conceding epa conducted six consultations past endangered species committee composed six federal officials representative affected state appointed president see see title provides committee shall grant exemption requirements subsection agency action vote less five members voting person determines record based report secretary record hearing held subsection testimony evidence may receive reasonable prudent alternatives agency action ii benefits action clearly outweigh benefits alternative courses action consistent conserving species critical habitat action public interest iii action regional national significance iv neither federal agency concerned exemption applicant made irreversible irretrievable commitment resources prohibited subsection establishes reasonable mitigation enhancement measures including limited live propagation transplantation habitat acquisition improvement necessary appropriate minimize adverse effects agency action upon endangered species threatened species critical habitat concerned quite lengthy include full text appendix dissent see gutierrez de martinez lamagno though generally means legal writers sometimes use misuse mean even see mellinkoff mellinkoff dictionary american legal usage treated synonyms meaning depends context garner dictionary modern legal usage ed courts virtually every jurisdiction held necessity shall means may contexts vice also claims basic principle announced department transportation public citizen agency considered legal action statutory discretion take supports reliance ante first recognizes must distance case public citizen dealt procedural requirement national environmental policy act nepa substantive requirement like imposed esa see tva hill holding nepa cases completely inapposite esa context recognize however views basic principle public citizen stated broadly therefore inapplicable case ante decision public citizen turned called critical feature case federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa ability countermand president lifting moratorium prohibited certain motor carriers obtaining authority operate within president decided lift moratorium relevant vehicles entered fmcsa required statute register vehicles certain conditions met ibid fmcsa entirely reasonable reading provision must certify motor carrier show willing able comply various substantive requirements safety financial responsibility contained dot regulations moratorium prevented mexican motor carriers emphasis deleted therefore potential nepa concerns generated another decisionmaker president fmcsa contrast epa required act ministerially another person agency made decision instead epa must exercise judgment considering transfer npdes authority state also authority deny transfer effect endangered species caused even indirectly agency decision transfer npdes authority cf cfr providing esa apply agency activities directly indirectly caus modifications land water air emphasis added epa also discussed several regulations give discretion example cfr epa required solicit public comments state transfer application must approve disapprove program taking consideration comments received epa explained fifth circuit brief simply acting ministerial fashion weighing merits public comments unnecessary brief epa