Deep Dive Episode 90 – The New Definition of WOTUS

The Trump Administration recently released its final rule defining “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.  This rule, called the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule” is the replacement for the repealed 2015 Clean Water Rule.  For decades, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have struggled to define “waters of the United States” in a way that passes legal muster.  Criticism has long-focused on the alleged overreach by the agencies, the vagueness of the definition, and a disrespect for the state role in addressing clean water as envisioned by Congress.  However, many critics of the new EPA and Corps’ rule argue that it is too narrow and not properly based on science.  Please join us as our experts discuss the history of the “waters of the United States” definition, explain the new rule and what waters would be regulated, and provide their insight and perspective on the impact of this major new rule.