Support EPA’s proposal to withdraw 2015’s confusing Waters of the U.S. rule and replace it with one that is clear and protects our waters

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting comments on its proposal to withdraw the controversial 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule and replace it with common-sense protections that will act as a critical step toward fixing our nation’s water policy.

Act now by easily submitting either your own comments or pre-drafted NAM comments in support of a clear rule that empowers everyone to join in protecting our waters.

We need to let the EPA know that manufacturers support clean water and deserve a clear rule protecting it. Although the 2015 WOTUS rule was expected to clarify what waters are controlled by federal regulations, it failed to do so. The 2015 rule is unnecessarily complex and vague. The only remedy is to withdraw the 2015 rule and replace it with a rule that is clearly defined.

Act now to send comments to the EPA urging them to withdraw the confusing 2015 WOTUS rule and replace it with a clear rule that protects our critical water resources.

Please note, acting through this page will publically post to the regulations.gov docket set up to collect public comments regarding EPA's definition of "waters of the United States."

For more information, please visit our website or contact:

Rachel Jones
Director, Energy & Resources Policy
rjones@nam.org
202.637.3175

Enter your information to take action now!

Subject:

Ease Confusion by Replacing 2015 WOTUS Rule

To the Environmental Protection Agency:

Since manufacturers rely on clean water for everything from growing agricultural inputs to engineering green chemistry and providing renewable power, smart water policy is critical. As a result, jurisdictional squabbles make it difficult and at times impossible for manufacturers to plan for day-to-day activities and make long-term investment decisions.

Given the importance of water resources, manufacturers need local, state and federal water policies of cooperation rather than conflict to achieve greater transparency, adaptation and continued ecological restoration. We need policies that respect individual property rights, take a multi-sectoral approach and drive technology solutions and innovation work to strengthen our stewardship of water resources.

Congress intended the Clean Water Act (CWA) to protect “the primary responsibilities and rights of states to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution,” but the federal government has disrupted this local-first approach and exceeded constitutional limits. Federal regulators have abused their power to protect navigable waters and disregarded the role of local communities and individual property owners. While these abusive policies have often been stopped by the courts, the lack of fair rules continues to create uncertainty for manufacturers.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) 2015 definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule was expected to clarify what waters are controlled by federal regulations, but it failed to do so. The 2015 rule is unnecessarily complex and vague. Manufacturers deserve clarity. The only remedy is to withdraw the 2015 rule and replace it with a rule that protects our waters.

Over the last 40 years, the Clean Water Act (CWA) has protected the rivers and lakes we use for transportation and recreation. However, the 2015 definition of WOTUS attempted to exert power over a staggering range of small man-made and natural water bodies from ditches to ponds, even those that are usually dry or too small to appear on a map. Water that was traditionally regulated by state and local governments were threatened with a federal take-over. For manufacturers, the 2015 rule subjects an almost limitless number of new areas to permitting uncertainty, causing additional construction costs, environmental modeling burdens and delays, and potentially exposing facilities to administrative actions and litigation. Dollars spent attempting to comply with vague regulatory language are dollars not spent on capital investment, community reinvestment, and hiring new employees in America.

Safeguarding our nation’s water resources with clear, reasonable protections is a priority for manufacturers. I support withdrawing the 2015 rule and writing a new rule that conforms with the CWA, protects our nation's waters and provides clarity for manufacturers and landowners around the country.

Regards, Your Name

Send me emails about this campaign

Send me text messages about this campaign

Please encourage others to act by sharing on social media.