EPA seeks comments on proposed WOTUS rule withdrawal

Updated Aug 8, 2017
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt signs WOTUS repeal proposal.EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt signs WOTUS repeal proposal.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a rule to withdraw the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that defines what streams, wetlands and other wet areas are controlled by the federal government and subject to the permitting requirements of the Clean Water Act. This is the first step in a two-step process to review and revise the definition of WOTUS as a result of President Trump’s Executive Order.

The EPA is now asking for comments on the proposed withdrawal of WOTUS. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has been advocating for the rule’s withdrawal and will respond with written comments, which are due on August 28, 2017. AGC encourages its members to submit their comments as well.

More information about the proposed withdrawal of WOTUS is available on the EPA website. Comments can be submitted with reference to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203; comment letters can also be submitted here.