The Clean Water Act allows the court to award attorneys fees to which party?

Study for the Clean Water Act Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The main idea being tested is that attorney’s fees under the Clean Water Act are shifted to the party that wins the case. In citizen suits under section 505, the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and related costs to the prevailing party—meaning the party that secures a favorable outcome on the key claims. This can be the plaintiff if they win on the violations or the defendant if they achieve a full or substantial victory. The award goes to the winner, not automatically to the government or to both sides, and the amount is tied to the success on the main issues. This mechanism encourages enforcement by reducing the financial burden on the winning party.