The Waters Advocacy Coalition (WAC), which ABC is a member of, recently launched a website to educate the public on the impact on America’s job creators under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) 2015 final Clean Water Rule. The rule would expand the definition of “the waters of the United States” (WOTUS).

Had it gone into effect, the WOTUS final rule would have dramatically expanded the scope of federal authority over water and land uses across the country, triggering a substantial increase in permitting requirements and leading to project delays and cost increases for the construction industry. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a nationwide stay, blocking the 2015 rule from going into effect on Oct. 9, 2015.

During an Oct. 10 teleconference for the construction sector hosted by the EPA and the Corps, ABC staff reiterated its opposition to the 2015 final rule and urged the agencies to develop a new definition consistent with U.S. Supreme Court precedent and congressional intent. ABC also attended a meeting at the EPA’s headquarters on Oct. 23 that focused on the impact of WOTUS on small entities.

Previously, ABC submitted comments to the EPA and the Corps on their proposal to rescind their 2015 WOTUS final rule, and re-codify the regulations that existed prior to the 2015 rule Sept. 27.

ABC will continue to provide updates on the WOTUS rule in Newsline.