Re: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203; FRL-9962-34-OW; Definition of “Waters of the United States” - Recodification of Pre-existing Rules
Dear Administrator Pruitt and Deputy Assistant Secretary Lamont:
These comments are submitted regarding the proposed rule, Definition of “Waters of the United States” - Recodification of Pre-existing Rules, EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203; FRL-9962-34-OW, published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2017. On behalf of the approximately 3,000+ members of the Society for Wetland Scientists (SWS). Our society strongly opposes the proposed rule to rescind the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) as promulgated by the Agencies in 2015 (Clean Water Rule: Definition of Waters of the United States; 80 FR 37054, June 29, 2015) (2015 CWR). Continue reading.