The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced September 12 the finalized repeal of the 2015 Clean Water Act rule which expanded the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and limited pollution into surface waters of the U.S. through regulations and permitting. The EPA rule is now expected to cover fewer waterways and narrow existing protections, covering only wetlands adjacent to a major body of water, or bodies connected to a major waterway by surface water. Opponents of this rule have felt this repeal was long overdue and expect it will reduce federal permitting requirements for development and industry. History...
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