After receiving a letter from ABC and 40 other leading business organizations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have extended the public comment period for the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule from July 21 to Oct. 20.

The proposed rule aims to clarify the definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and relies heavily on an EPA report which was still under review when the comment period opened. Due to logistical challenges as well as other concerns regarding the rule, ABC and other organizations, sent a letter May 13 requesting an extension for the public to adequately respond.