In the US, the House of Representatives has passed new legislation that halts the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The Regulatory Integrity Protection Act (H.R. 1732) will restart the rulemaking process and will require proper consultation with stakeholders and an economic analysis before a new rule is proposed.
The WOTUS rule changed the definition of waters of the United States and would have a huge impact on the cement and aggregates industries.
"We're gratified to see the House of Representatives stand up to EPA’s overreach by setting a more reasonable path where states, industry, and other stakeholders can work together to protect water quality," said James G. Toscas, PCA president and CEO.
"We take environmental compliance very seriously, and this vague and arbitrary approach would make that job more difficult," said Toscas. "It is so ambiguous that it could include something as minor as a temporary pool of water that forms after a rainstorm, with determinations made on a case-by-case basis. The industry looks forward to working with the EPA, state and local officials and other partners on the development of reasonable water guidelines.”
NSSGA’s Sr. Vice President Pam Whitted also praised the House’s action. “The House is leading the way by passing very important legislation to require EPA to withdraw the WOTUS rule and go back to the drawing board to conduct increased consultations with involved stakeholders.”
Adapted from press releases by Katherine Guenioui