Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the "Waters of the United States" Rule

2017-03-03Executive Order 13778
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Federal Agencies Ordered to Review and Revise Clean Water Rule

What it does: Agencies must review the 2015 Clean Water Rule and publish proposed rescissions or revisions for public comment.

Real World Impact:
  • Could lead to rescinding or revision of the 2015 Clean Water Rule.
  • Prompts agencies to change or repeal policies that implement that rule.
  • Attorney General may notify courts and take measures during administrative review.
Topics: water regulation, environmental policy, federal government, legal process

Summary

This order directs the Environmental Protection Agency and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to review the 2015 Clean Water Rule that defines which waters are protected. They must publish a proposed rule to rescind or revise it and other agencies must review their related policies for consistency.

The Attorney General may be notified so courts can be informed while reviews proceed. The order also asks officials to consider defining "navigable waters" consistent with a 2006 Supreme Court opinion.

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