Associated Builders and Contractors, along with more than 40 other leading business organizations, sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requesting they extend the public comment period on a proposed rule that aims to clarify the definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The organizations are asking for 90 days beyond the current deadline or 90 days after the EPA releases the final connectivity report, whichever date comes later.

In the letter, the organizations cite that the proposed rule at hand relies on EPA’s draft connectivity report that is currently under review by the Science Advisory Board panel, and the public will need ample time to review and evaluate the lengthy and complex report upon completion in order to provide meaningful feedback.

In addition, the letter highlights inaccuracies in the EPA’s Economic Report and lack of consideration of the implications on the multiple CWA programs by the proposal. Due to these issues, the organizations believe it falls on the public to address them in their comments which they need additional time in order to thoroughly complete.

ABC will update members through Newsline of any extensions granted by EPA and the USACE on the proposal.