Using rule 404(c) the EPA has unilaterally said Pebble cannot be done... There are some ways to get around the decision and the courts will get to work this over (which will in and of itself slow progress tremendously) but it will make it harder and more expensive for the Pebble Partnership to proceed.

The rule has only been used against a single mine previously and it was only partly successful. It will be interesting to see what happens next...