Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced the second extension of the public comment period for the proposed "Waters of the U.S." rulemaking. The deadline for comments has now been moved from October 20, 2014 to November 14, 2014.
EPA and the Corps originally released the new proposed rule on April 21 which would create a new definition for "Waters of the U.S." and greatly expand federal jurisidiction of the nation's waterways. Many local governments as well as the agriculture industry are concerned about the regulatory burden the new definition would create. See the links below for more information about the proposed rule and the reactions from some of the leading organizations fighting it:
- EPA "Waters of the U.S." Website
- American Farm Bureau "Ditch the Rule" Website
- National Association of Counties Information Hub
- National League of Cities Policy Page
What are your thoughts on the proposed rule? How would it impact your community?
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