On March 25, 2014, U.S. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers jointly released a proposed rule redefining “Waters of the United States.” Editorializing a bit, a cursory review of the proposed rule indicates little has been done to clarify whether and how certain streams and wetlands are protected under the Clean Water Act. We will follow-up with a more detailed summary of the rule and potential implications once we have had an opportunity to thoroughly review the rule.
Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted on or before July 21, 2014. Additional information related to the rulemaking can be found on EPA’s website.
[Update: The Congressional Research Service has issued a report on the proposed rule that you may find of interest.]