Contractors concerned by EPA's Water Rule implications

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors National Association (PHCC) released a statement Thursday to register its concern with the implications of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineering’s Clean Water Rule, the final version of which was released Wednesday.

“This is a prime example of the power and danger of the regulatory process,” PHCC National President Kevin Tindall said. “And, as we head into summer and closer to an election year, we’ll see more and more of these types of actions that are outside of the legislative process.”

The rule offers a more exact definition of which waters fall under the EPA’s authority, but in doing so it has also expanded federal jurisdiction. This has been troublesome to various industry groups since the rule’s first draft was released in April 2014, due to its potential to effects to their businesses due to increased permitting and red tape.

“While PHCC wholeheartedly supports the protection of our nation’s water and land resources, we are concerned that this proposed rule is shortsighted,” Tindall said. “Now that the rule has been finalized, we’ll be working with other organizations and association to thoroughly analyze it and move to protect the interests of our members.”