Democrats Seek EPA Clarity On CWA Rule In Lieu Of Backing Revision Bill

摘要

Senate Democrats are urging EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to resolve confusion about implementation of their Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction rule, saying that if the agencies fail to provide such clarity then they could potentially support measures to force revisions to the rule such as a bill that failed in a recent floor vote. "Should the EPA not provide this clarity or enforce this rule in a way that erodes traditional exemptions, we reserve the right to support efforts in the future to revise the rule," warns a Nov. 3 letter to EPA and the Corps signed by Democratic Sens. Chris Coons (DE), Tom Carper (DE), Tim Kaine (VA), Mark Warner (VA), Bill Nelson (FL), Dianne Feinstein (CA), Brian Schatz (HI), Jon Tester (MT) and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) who caucuses with Democrats. The letter is available on InsideEPA.com. Seepage 2 for details. (Doc. ID: 186239) While some senators in the upper chamber's minority are holding off on backing CWA rule reform legislation, Senate Republicans are pushing a more sweeping Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would force the agencies to scrap the rule - and which could complicate efforts to craft any similar future replacement policy. The resolution cleared the Senate Nov. 4 in a 53-44 vote with the backing of three Democratic senators.