EPA Finalizes Repeal of the 2015 WOTUS Rule

Last week, the EPA announced a final rule to repeal the 2015 Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule. The 2015 WOTUS rule greatly expanded what waters fall under the authority of the federal government, while also creating confusion for stakeholders and taking power away from state and local authorities. SLMA has opposed the 2015 WOTUS rule, working independently and as a member of the Waters Advocacy Coalition. This repeal is the first step in a two step process to replace the 2015 rule with a more clear and concise definition of what is and is not "Waters of the US" that takes states and stakeholders' concerns into consideration. More information is available on the EPA website. We will continue to track this issue in the monthly SLMA Regulatory Update.