Proposed changes to the Clean Water Act by the EPA

[afishinado]

The proposed rule would vastly undercut state and tribal authority to protect coldwater resources nation-wide >


https://www.tu.org/blog/clean-water-at-risk-cwa-401/?fbclid=IwAR0KVv-LrNIfAlp3Cy_WTuLt5fAvexOLaZiUjXlpDJIMUJFv9_JzL951yS0

 

[Tigereye]

I have seen that in the Federal Register a week or so ago. Not quite sure of all the implications right now as these rule changes have tentacles to all kinds of situations.

I am reserving comment until I can research more. One thing for sure, we need a better definition of "waters of the US".

 

[maxima12]

Told Ya!

 

[afishinado]

Here is the latest on the changes to the CWA by the EPA >

https://www.npr.org/2019/09/12/760203456/epa-makes-rollback-of-clean-water-rules-official-repealing-2015-protections

 

[timbow]

afishinado wrote:
Here is the latest on the changes to the CWA by the EPA >

https://www.npr.org/2019/09/12/760203456/epa-makes-rollback-of-clean-water-rules-official-repealing-2015-protections

Afishinado- you are mixing two completely different regulations in this thread. The first article deals with the Clean Water Act while the second pertains to the Clean Water Rule. Two very different sets of regulations.

To summarize, the Clean Water Rule (Obama era rule)is a blatant federal government overreach. The rule tries to give the federal government jurisdiction over wetlands that do not have a hydrological connection to waters of the US. Before this rule, these wetlands would fall under the jurisdiction of the state and local governments.

 

[afishinado]

timbow wrote:

afishinado wrote:
Here is the latest on the changes to the CWA by the EPA >

https://www.npr.org/2019/09/12/760203456/epa-makes-rollback-of-clean-water-rules-official-repealing-2015-protections

Afishinado- you are mixing two completely different regulations in this thread. The first article deals with the Clean Water Act while the second pertains to the Clean Water Rule. Two very different sets of regulations.

To summarize, the Clean Water Rule (Obama era rule)is a blatant federal government overreach. The rule tries to give the federal government jurisdiction over wetlands that do not have a hydrological connection to waters of the US. Before this rule, these wetlands would fall under the jurisdiction of the state and local governments.

Actually the Clean Water "Rule" changes the number waters governed by the Clean Water "Act". It dilutes it so to speak >

"Vast amounts of wetlands and thousands of miles of U.S. waterways would no longer be federally protected by the Clean Water Act under a new proposal by the Trump administration."

Link to source> https://www.npr.org/2018/12/11/675477583/trump-epa-proposes-big-changes-to-federal-water-protections

Check out what environmental groups say as well as TU about this development and how it may adversely effect our rivers and streams.

TU on this development >https://www.tu.org/press-releases/epa-and-the-army-corps-of-engineers-aim-to-cut-protections-for-millions-of-stream-miles-across-the-united-states/?preview=true&fbclid=IwAR0RGZJn6QvEeA9-VOJ39JSl5n8puD_CeeX2u5RsYN1rR7Zf5v1c6J3gptc

"The Clean Water Act and the 2015 Rule are vital to TU’s work and to anglers across the nation. Whether TU is working with farmers to restore small headwater streams in West Virginia, removing acidic pollution caused by abandoned mines in Pennsylvania, or protecting the world-famous salmon-producing, 14,000-jobs-sustaining watershed of Bristol Bay, Alaska, we rely on the Clean Water Act to safeguard our water quality improvements.

TU members, and sportsmen and women nationwide, want to move forward with progress on cleaning up our nation’s waters, not go backwards. Thus, the Clean Water Act needs to be improved, not weakened, as is the case in today’s announcement."


Plus another article from TU here > https://www.tu.org/blog/little-streams-make-a-big-difference-for-our-drinking-water/

 

[pcray1231]

On limiting the timeline for review, I wholeheartedly agree with the changes. Infrastructure projects are badly needed right now, the money and will exists to do them, and they basically can't happen because these environmental reviews can take upwards of a decade right now, whether or not there is merit. A small group can just stop everything from happening, and that's exactly what they do. Fantastic example of a good intentioned law that is just abused.

On the rest, well, I too am reserving judgement until I can study more. My best guess is that the whole package is going to be some very badly needed updates mixed with some very dangerous oversights.

But in today's political environment, you either back all regulations in the name of environmental protection, or you oppose them. No place for a nuanced opinion. How sad.

 

[Tigereye]

Was reviewing 401 today and it looks like EPA's proposed rules streamlines review to water quality standards only. Seems some governor's were vetoing oil and gas pipelines over climate change concerns. This proposal rightly stops that.
EPA Chief Wheeler criticized NY Gov. Cuomo for vetoing a gas pipeline from PA. Some 50k NY'rs lost power during a summer heat wave. Cuomo blamed the utility but failed to mention he was warned of supply disruptions if he followed thru with the veto.