EPA prepares to shed contentious Waters of the U.S. interpretation

Waters mood

Construction and business interests welcomed a late-2018 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army proposal for a clear, understandable, and implementable definition of “Waters of the United States,” clarifying federal authority under the Clean Water Act. Unlike a 2015 definition that drew sharp criticism from construction materials producers and their customers, the new proposal a) contains straightforward wording that results in significant cost savings; b) protects the nation’s navigable waters; helps sustain economic growth; and, c) reduces barriers to business development.

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Road Builders drive another stake through Waters of U.S. rule

Sources: American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)

In comments submitted to the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, ARTBA contends that the Environmental Protection Agency’s contentious “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule should be repealed as it is scientifically and legally flawed; threatens recent bipartisan achievements in reducing transportation project delays; and, is likely to be used as a litigation tool to delay projects, making construction more expensive.

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PCA, Chamber take EPA, Corps of Engineers to court over Waters of U.S. rule

Portland Cement Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and three other plaintiffs are mounting perhaps the most decisive challenge yet to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) final rule, imploring a federal court to vacate the measure in its entirety.

 
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PCA, Chamber sue EPA, Corps of Engineers over Waters of U.S. rule

Sources: CP staff; Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Ill.

Portland Cement Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and three other plaintiffs are mounting perhaps the most decisive challenge yet to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) final rule, imploring a federal judge to vacate the measure in its entirety.

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Concrete plant exemptions aside, industry cool on Clean Water Rule

In their early reading of the final Clean Water Rule, dubbed “Waters of the U.S.” in its infancy, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Government Affairs staff cite exclusion of certain operations at ready mixed concrete plants, but are reviewing the document for more specifics on industry impact and producer compliance.

 
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