EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Releases Proposed Rules Changes For Protections Under The Clean Water Act

Regulatory Activity

Proposed Changes to Clean Water Act

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have released a proposed rule to clarify protections under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands. The new definitions will apply to all Clean Water Act programs. The controversial proposed rule, once final, is likely to have a potentially significant impact on businesses, agriculture, municipalities and recreational interests throughout the country. The agencies will be hosting discussions throughout the U.S. over the next three months to gather input. Comments on the proposed rule are due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, which is expected this week.

Legislative Activity

This Week’s Hearings:

Tapping California’s Domestic Oil Production

Friday, April4: The House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, will hold a hearing titled, “Energy Independence:  Domestic Opportunities to Reverse California’s Growing Dependence on Foreign Oil.” The hearing is intended to examine California’s foreign oil imports and opportunities for domestic production in and off the coast of California.

FY 2015 Funding Requests for EPA

Wednesday, April 2: The House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Power, and Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, will hold a joint hearing to consider the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2015.

FY 2015 Funding Requests for Department of Interior

Thursday, April 3: The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a full committee oversight hearing to consider the Department of the Interior’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget request. The Honorable Secretary Jewell will testify about the Department’s upcoming agenda and funding needs.

Hazardous Materials

Wednesday, April 2: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, will hold a hearing titled, “Examining Issues for Hazardous Materials Reauthorization.” The Honorable Cynthia Quarterman, Administrator of the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, will testify. The subcommittee will also hear from the American Chemistry Council, the American Pyrotechnics Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters.