Clean Water Current

(September 25, 2019) – Dave Ross, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water, testified last week at a hearing before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Water Resources Subcommittee.

The hearing, entitled “The Administration’s Priorities and Policy Initiatives Under the Clean Water Act,” focused on several current key Clean Water Act (CWA) issues.  A substantial emphasis of the hearing was on the Trump Administration’s repeal of the current Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and proposed new rule that is expected by the end of the year.

Other key issues highlighted at the hearing included PFAS, where Ross outlined the EPA’s ongoing regulatory work under its PFAS Action Plan and the importance of the Agency’s regulatory process in helping to address the issue in a holistic and scientifically based manner.  EPA’s proposed rule for peak wet weather flow blending also came up, and Ross emphasized the wet weather challenges POTW’s face and the need for regulatory certainty in this area.

During the hearing, both Ross and Members of Congress also discussed the importance of water reuse and the opportunity for trading in helping address water quality impairment from a variety of sources including nutrients. 

During his opening statement to the committee, Ross recognized “the need to ensure a capable, knowledgeable, and diverse workforce of water professionals” and how “the great work of these environmental heroes protects public health and the environment every single day.”

NACWA looks forward to continuing to work with both Congress and the Administration on these key clean water issues. For more information, please contact NACWA’s Legislative Directors, Jason Isakovic or Kristina Surfus, with any questions.