After a yearlong regulatory process, the Waters of the US rule has been finalized. This rule purports to clarify the definition of a “water” and thereby more clearly define those areas that are regulated under the Clean Water Act. The text of the new rule can be found here.
In multiple press releases, EPA has said that the rule provides sufficient clarity to protect our nation’s waters from pollution. EPA also has asserted that they took into careful consideration the numerous comments received regarding the rule during the public comment period.
Industry groups and others claim that the rule does not provide the required clarity and oversteps the intent of the Clean Water Act. This belief has prompted many opponents of the rule to call for repeal of the new rule through support of Senate Bill 1140.