The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for comments on its proposed withdrawal of the 2015 Waters of the US Rule (WOTUS).
The rule would give the federal government regulation over dry stream beds and isolated wetlands that would negatively impact the permitting process for aggregates operations and increase the cost of public works projects without bringing any benefits to the environment.
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) is submitting comments on behalf of the aggregates industry in support of this withdrawal and would like its member to submit comments as well. All comments must be submitted by August 28, 2017. Short comments can be submitted online, or a comment letter template can be downloaded from the NSSGA website, which can be submitted here.
“We are urging our members to participate in this critical first step of the regulatory process, because WOTUS, as written, was unworkable for the aggregates industry,” says Laura O’Neill-Kaumo, NSSGA’s senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs.
“Only through participation can we work to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach in regulation.”
