Fall 2023 - Flipbook - Page 5
EPA and Army Corp Repeal 2015 WOTUS Rule
The 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule was repealed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. ASCE previously submitted comments in response to the agencies’ proposed rule altering
definitions under the existing WOTUS rule. ASCE supports WOTUS rulemaking that better defines federal water
jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, does not support the proposed rule in its current form, and urges review of the
proposed rule’s definition of ditches, wetlands, and ephemeral streams. The two agencies plan to release a new final
rule before the end of the year.
ASCE Board Member Urges Action on Infrastructure
ASCE Board of Direction Member and Director of Houston Public Works Carol Haddock, P.E., M.ASCE, testified
before the House Committee on the Budget on the economic benefits of infrastructure investment. Haddock
commented, “It has been clear to the engineering community and is now becoming clear to the greater public that
the U.S. has only been paying about half of its infrastructure bill.” Haddock acknowledged state and local
governments have stepped up their investment, but the federal government is a critical partner. Read more here.
Congress Returns to Finish FY2020 Federal Budget
At the end of September, the President signed a stopgap budget measure to keep the government funded through
November 21, 2019. Congress will need to move quickly to pass an FY2020 budget or a government shutdown will
occur. Find out how this impacts surface transportation, water infrastructure, and other key programs. Read more
here.
ASCE to Review Proposed Lead & Copper Rule
Last updated in 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just released it’s proposed “Lead & Copper
Rule.” The EPA has been working to revamp this rule since 2005. The proposed rule creates a lower “trigger level” of
10 parts per billion (ppb) to require utilities to review the chemicals they use to prevent lead pipes from
corroding. The current lead action level is 15 ppb. ASCE supports funding for water quality improvements for the
removal of lead in water systems, targeting systems with the highest concentration exceedances of lead and copper
and will submit public comments in the coming weeks.
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