The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its proposed notice of withdrawal of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS).
“This is a welcome step in the process to remove this controversial rule,” said Michael W. Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO.
If left uncontested, the rule would have allowed the federal government to regulate dry streambeds and isolated wetlands in a radical expansion of jurisdiction over waters that have little or no connection to flowing streams and rivers.
“NSSGA members fully support the administration’s effort to removing rules that would increase costs for aggregates operators with no environmental benefit. If left in place, the current rule will have a direct impact on costs, timing and deliverables for vital infrastructure projects,“ said Johnson. “We are preparing comments for EPA on this matter and look forward continuing to work with the administration to refine costly and burdensome regulations.”