Proposed Rule for the Clean Water Act Published April 21, 2014

On April 21, 2014, the Federal Register published a proposed rule drafted to clarify the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), the proposed rule was released by the EPA and the U.S. Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) with the intention of clarifying protection for streams and wetlands, that had become complex following recent Supreme Court Decisions, under the Clean Water Act.

The proposed rule has created controversy with some agricultural organizations who  worry that under the proposed expansion, all waters in the country will be subject to regulation by the EPA and Corps.

The public comment period for the proposed rule will be open until Monday, July 21, 2014.  To view the full text of the proposed rule, please visit the Federal Register’s online database at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-04-21/pdf/2014-07142.pdf.