A proposed rule to strengthen the US Clean Water Act could add to the paperwork that oil and gas producers, refiners and other businesses must complete before they can get their projects up and running. The regulation from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers aims to add protections for "most seasonal and rain-dependent streams." It will also ensure that "wetlands near rivers and streams are protected," according to the proposal. In essence, the plan seeks to expand the waters that are federally protected, requiring industrial projects near these designated streams and wetlands to seek additional permits and draft additional environmental mitigation plans.
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