EPA releases finalized copy of Clean Waters Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers released the finalized version of the Clean Waters Rule today, creating measures that aim to safeguard the country’s streams and wetlands.

“For the water in the rivers and lakes in our communities that flow to our drinking water to be clean, the streams and wetlands that feed them need to be clean too,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said. “Protecting our water sources is a critical component of adapting to climate change impacts like drought, sea level rise, stronger storms and warmer temperatures, which is why EPA and the Army have finalized the Clean Water Rule -- to protect these important waters, so we can strengthen our economy and provide certainty to American businesses.”

The rule, which has come under fire from some groups for expanding the EPA’s authority, clarifies the protection surrounding the nations waterways and is the result of more than 1,200 studies, 400 meetings and one million public comments. It has expanded EPA oversight and protection to waters that 117 million Americans rely on for drinking water and taken steps to ensure those needed for industries as divers as energy creation, farming and tourism.

“This rule responds to the public's demand for greater clarity, consistency and predictability when making jurisdictional determinations,” Assistant Secretary for the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy said. “The result will be better public service nationwide."