CEO DATELINE - Proposed clean water rule leaves business groups steamed
CEO DATELINE - Proposed clean water rule leaves business groups steamed
- May 29, 2015 |
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Walt Williams
Associations complain of regulatory overreach
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Many associations are finding little to love in a proposed rule crafted by the Environmental Protection Agency to protect small streams and wetlands.
The proposed clarification to the Clean Water Act comes as the result of two "confusing and complex" U.S. Supreme Court rulings concerning how the law should be interpreted, according to the Christian Science Monitor. One decision resulted in a rare three-way split between the justices. http://bit.ly/1JbZ6rb
EPA's fix applies mostly to temporary waterways that appear and disappear throughout the year. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce alleges the agency's proposed language "would significantly broaden federal regulatory jurisdiction over private activities on land and in waterways, wetlands and drainage ditches."
"(T)he EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers failed to conduct any meaningful regulatory or economic impact analyses prior to issuing a final rule that redefines ‘waters of the U.S.," said William Kovacs, the chamber's senior vice president of environment, technology and regulatory affairs. "Additionally, by expanding federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, the Clean Water Rule could significantly impact a portion of our economy by slowing or stopping numerous projects across the nation."
Also taking issue is the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, which said the rule would lead to delays in transportation projects because it does not specifically exempt roadside ditches from regulation. The association argues ditches are not connected to water bodies and therefore should not be regulated as traditional wetlands.
Agriculture groups also are upset. The American Farm Bureau Federation said it finds "little comfort in the agency's assurances that our concerns have been addressed in any meaningful way." The group added it is still reviewing the rule.
"We will decide on an appropriate course of action once that review is complete," AFBF President Bob Stallman said.
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