Local Government Advisory Committee Weighs in on Suggested Water Rule

BOSTON - EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) held a workgroup meeting recently in Worcester, Massachusetts to provide input and feedback EPA's suggested rule clarifying Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction.

The public meeting gave local officials and stakeholders the opportunity to express their concerns and ideas to LGAC's Protecting America's Waters Workgroup, which will then work with the full committee to develop formal recommendations to EPA.

E.P.A. Administrator Gina McCarthy has charged the LGAC to give advice and recommendations on important issues affecting local elected and appointed officials. Previously, the LGAC has made formal recommendations to E.P.A. on issues ranging from climate change resiliency and air quality to worker protection standards.

EPA's suggested rule clarifies protection for streams and wetlands. The suggested definitions of waters will apply to all Clean Water Act programs. The suggested rule, released on Mar. 25, 2014, is of interest to local officials who are often in charge of implementing CWA provisions in municipalities and other jurisdictions. Due to the scope of the suggested rule, the public review period was recently extended by an additional 90 days to Oct. 20, 2014.

The purpose of the LGAC is to provide advice and recommendations that assist E.P.A. in developing a stronger partnership with local governments, as well as build state and local capacity to deliver environmental services and programs. The ultimate goal of the LGAC is to provide the citizens of the nation with more efficient and effective environmental protection at the community, state and federal level.

More information:

- EPA's suggested Waters of the U.S. rule http://www2.epa.gov/uswaters

- EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee: http://www.epa.gov/ocir/scas_lgac/lgac_index.htm

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