News
EPA plans to scale back federal protection of waterways

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to scale back the number of U.S waterways that receive federal protection, pleasing farmers but upsetting ecology-focused groups.

The changes would come from proposed revisions to the EPA’s Waters of the United States rule, released late last week. That rule identifies the types of waterways over which the federal government has regulatory control. Prior to this planned revision, a ‘federally protected waterway’ had a broad definition that included drainage ditches and runoff from seasonal flooding.

The EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are seeking public comment on the revamped rule before it can be adopted until April 16. | READ MORE