EPA Sessions Seek Input on WOTUS Rework

Virtual and in-person gatherings about terms for “waters of the United States” are set to begin next week, with the agricultural session scheduled for May 1.

The Environmental Protection Agency will begin a series of five listening sessions next week on defining “waters of the United States” — or WOTUS — following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against the agency. Beginning April 29, the sessions aim to get “targeted input” from stakeholders.

The EPA is asking for input on topics including the concepts of “continuous surface connection” and “relatively permanent,” as well as jurisdictional versus non-jurisdictional ditches.

Listening sessions are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET — Session for states (virtual and in person in Washington, D.C.).
• Wednesday, April 30, 1-3:30 p.m. ET — Session for tribes (virtual).
• Thursday, May 1, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET — Session for industry and agriculture (virtual and in person in Washington, D.C.).
• Thursday, May 1, 1-3:30 p.m. ET: — Session for environmental and conservation (virtual and in person in Washington, D.C.).
• To be determined — session for the public.

Participants must register to attend the listening sessions. Visit the EPA’s WOTUS outreach and engagement page to register.

To attend in-person, participants must register at least 48 hours ahead of the event. Virtual listening sessions will be held via Zoom. Participants can preregister to give a three-minute testimony, but speaking slots are limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source: The Packer