flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

EPA’s Water of the U.S. rule delayed for two years while repeal sought

Codes and Standards

EPA’s Water of the U.S. rule delayed for two years while repeal sought

Controversial Obama-era regulation may never be implemented.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | February 8, 2018

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Jan. 31 that the 2015 Waters of the United States rule will not be applicable for two years.

The controversial Obama-era regulation may never be implemented as the agency said it will work to repeal and replace the measure. The 2015 rule defined which small waterways can be governed by federal regulations, which could increase the cost of development, critics say.

The agency is reviewing public comments for its 2017 proposal to rescind the rule, and is working with the Army Corps of Engineers to develop a potential replacement rule that would redefine “waters of the United States.” The rule has been slowed by legal challenges, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit having issued a nationwide stay of the rule before the planned August 2015 implementation.

The Supreme Court determined last month that federal circuit courts do not have original jurisdiction to review the challenges, which should be adjudicated by district courts. The delay and the agency’s intent to repeal and replace the rule “provides much needed certainty and clarity to the regulated community during the ongoing regulatory process,” the EPA said in a press release.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2018

Washington State moving to promote mass timber construction with legislation

Bill would require all 12-story or less public buildings to be built with mass timber.

Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2018

Los Angeles appoints its first chief design officer

Responsibility for enhancing civic architecture and urban design.

Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2018

National Roofing Contractors Assn., releases updates to its Roof Wind Designer app

Significant changes to online wind-load calculator.

Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2018

Global construction waste to almost double by 2025

Concerns in Houston, Minnesota over environmental impacts.

Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2018

Cape Town, South Africa’s dire water supply crisis raises concerns in the U.S.

Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Miami among cities at risk for water shortages.

Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2018

Report shows how LEED certification supports net zero energy

Whole-building energy simulation, ASHRAE compliance requirement are key factors.

Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2018

Energy efficiency measures contributing to flat demand for power

Utilities having difficulty adjusting to new business environment.

Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2018

New parking lighting technology is paying off, Energy Dept. says

Newer products can cut energy costs by as much as 70%.

Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2018

OSHA delays enforcement of beryllium exposure rule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) voted to delay new beryllium exposure rules until May 11.

Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2018

L.A. mayor proposes mandatory seismic retrofits for steel buildings, daycare centers, private schools

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed a seismic retrofit requirement for vulnerable steel buildings built before the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021