The EPA is proposing water quality criteria in Oregon to protect aquatic life from the harmful effects of exposure to toxic levels of aluminum. In January 2013, the EPA disapproved Oregon's new and revised freshwater acute and chronic criteria for aluminum, based on concerns that the criteria would not adequately protect aquatic life in Oregon. Oregon has not yet adopted or submitted criteria for aluminum to address EPA's disapproval. Therefore, consistent with Clean Water Act section 303(c)(3), the EPA is proposing aluminum criteria to protect aquatic life in Oregon. This rule will improve water quality, protect aquatic life, and strengthen Oregon's natural ecosystem. Under a consent decree with Northwest Environmental Advocates (as amended), EPA has until March 15, 2019, to either take an action under CWA section 303(c) to approve aquatic life criteria for aluminum submitted by the State of Oregon or, if aluminum criteria have not yet been submitted by Oregon and approved by EPA, to propose statewide Federal aquatic life criteria for aluminum in Oregon.