Published in Last Word
The House voted this week to block a controversial EPA regulatory effort to expand federal jurisdiction over wetlands.
EPA’s proposed rule would broaden the scope of protection for “waters of the United States” to include all traditional navigable and interstate waters, as well as upstream tributaries, adjacent wetlands and other waters with a “significant nexus” that could impact the chemical, physical or biological integrity of those waters. The agency contends that scientific studies have demonstrated the nature of hydrological connectivity and effects of streams and wetlands on downstream waters, thus justifying their inclusion.
Homebuilders, commercial developers, and energy groups oppose the proposed rule, contending that it goes too far in extending federal jurisdiction.
ACEC continues to seek member input on the proposed rule. Click here for more information from EPA, including a copy of the proposed rule and instructions for submitting comments. The deadline for public comments is October 20, 2014. If you have not already done so, please submit your input on the proposal to ACEC Director of Environment & Energy Programs Keith Pemrick by October 1, 2014.
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