EPA Intends to Redefine Navigable Waters Under WOTUS

WASHINGTON, DC – President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on January 20th forcing a review on agency actions regarding the climate crisis, and of the 104 items on the list, across 10 agencies and departments, the Environmental Protection Agency was tasked with 48 areas of concern.

Last week, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers concluded their review of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule defining the term “waters of the United States (WOTUS)” and announced their intention to initiate a new rulemaking process. The purpose, according to EPA is to restore the protections in place prior to the 2015 WOTUS implementation while developing a new rule to establish a durable definition of “waters of the United States.”

Specifically, the agency wants to develop a revised definition that hits four key areas.

First, protecting water resources and our communities consistent with the Clean Water Act; second, utilizing the latest science and the effects of climate change on our waters; third, emphasizing a rule with a practical implementation approach for state and tribal partners; and fourth, reflecting the experience of and input received from landowners, the agricultural community, states, tribes, local governments, community organizations, environmental groups, and disadvantaged communities with environmental justice concerns.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)