January 17, 2003—The US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers are asking for public input on an Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM) that would decide exactly what sort of protection a vast majority of America’s wetlands have under the Clean Water Act. The ANPRM would also reaffirm federal authority over these wetlands, which was challenged by the US Supreme Court in a 2001 decision. The administration has said it believes in a “no net loss of wetlands” policy.
Through the ANPRM, EPA and the Corps of Engineers will solicit from the public data and information to clarify the extent of Clean Water Act coverage in light of the 2001 decision. Said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman, “It is more important than ever that we work closely with tribes, states, and local agencies to ensure strong protection of wetlands and other aquatic resources.”
The rule making provides guidance for regulatory officers and developers by describing the scope of jurisdiction for which permits are required to drain and develop certain types of wetlands.
The Federal Register document and additional information are available on EPA’s Office of Water Web site.
For more information, contact ASHRAE.
