EPA and Army to Host Listening Sessions to Gather Input on WOTUS from Key Stakeholder Groups
WASHINGTON – Next week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (Army) will host listening sessions to gather input on the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act.
On March 12, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agencies’ intent to revise the definition of WOTUS to follow the clear direction of the Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA while eliminating red tape, cutting compliance costs, and reducing the cost of living. To achieve this vision, the agencies will develop a proposed rule to revise the 2023 definition of WOTUS.
The listening sessions are intended to help EPA and Army understand real-world perspectives and experiences with WOTUS implementation to inform the agencies’ upcoming proposed rule. In addition to the sessions listed below, EPA will hold listening sessions for local governments, Tribes, and the general public.
Registration information for these listening sessions can be found here:
Who:
- Peggy Browne, U.S. EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water
- Stacey Jensen, U.S. EPA Division Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
- Milton Boyd, Acting Director of Policy and Legislation; Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works)
What: Listening session to gather input from states, tribes, agriculture and industry, and environmental and conservation groups on the definition of WOTUS.
When:
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States: Tuesday, April 29, from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET
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Industry and Agricultural Stakeholders: Thursday, May 1, from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET
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Environmental and Conservation Stakeholders: Thursday, May 1, from 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: These listening sessions are being offered virtually and in person at EPA Headquarters (1201 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC)
Please see additional information about Waters of the United States.
Note: Credentialed press must RSVP/register 48 hours in advance by emailing press@epa.gov. To enter EPA facilities, bring a valid ID issued by the Federal Government or a state (e.g., driver’s license). An EPA employee escort will meet you at security and escort you to the listening session.
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