New WOTUS takes effect

 

 

The effort to eliminate and reduce the impact of the Waters of the U.S. rule that was proposed in the Obama administration and fought by farmers across the country is closer to reality.

The Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection rule (2040-AF75), which narrows the number of streams and wetlands that are protected under the Clean Water Act, officially became final Tuesday with its publication in the Federal Register.

The procedural step begins the 60-day clock before the new definition goes into effect, and is likely to set off a wave of lawsuits from environmental groups, blue states and others seeking to challenge its validity in court. Environment America and Earthjustice issued statements this week signaling they plan to fight the rule in court.

Source: POLITICO