WOTUS Hearings Lack Substance

The Waters Advocacy Coalition commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers listening sessions held this month to identify issues that may arise from the Waters of the United States Rule.

“The listening sessions held by the Corps and EPA on implementing the definition of WOTUS were disappointing, to say the least. Missing was any meaningful exchange of information or even answers to basic questions. In order for stakeholders of all kinds to ensure effective protection of water quality, there must be a consistent, predictable and durable WOTUS definition. Together with commonsense permitting reform, we can lay a foundation to meet ambitious infrastructure and climate goals. Our associations call on the agencies to engage with us and other stakeholders to provide the clarity needed both for compliance with the law and to effectively address these important national issues.”

The Waters Advocacy Coalition includes nearly 50 organizations representing agriculture, energy, infrastructure, construction and real estate, manufacturing, mining, specialty pesticides, state departments of agriculture and many other job creators.