The proposed Waters of the U.S. rule is extremely controversial, with a wide variety of stakeholders (including RCRC, the National Association of Counties, and the American Farm Bureau Federation) calling for the proposal to be withdrawn on the basis that it inappropriately and dramatically expands the jurisdiction of EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over both public and private waterways. The rule has also been the target of bipartisan Congressional criticism, and has been the subject of numerous Congressional hearings. Rather than withdrawing the rule to work more closely with concerned stakeholders, EPA has responded by launching a widespread media campaign to discredit criticism of their proposal. The rule is currently in the midst of an open public comment period, with comments due on October 20, 2014.
The Science Advisory Board reports on the connectivity of streams and wetlands to downstream waters can be accessed here.
Written statements on the topic can be sent to Dr. Angela Nugent, EPA Science Advisory Board, at nugent.angela@epa.gov by September 19 for the September 26 call, and by September 23 for the September 29 call. Interested parties can also request to be added to the list of presenting speakers by contacting Dr. Nugent at the same e-mail address. RCRC will publish specific conference call details when available.
