Dear Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper:
We, the undersigned Chambers of Commerce, appreciate the Committee holding the hearing, “A Review of Waters of the U.S. Regulations: Their Impact on States and the American People.” We are committed to the protection and restoration of America’s wetlands and waters, and the definition of “Waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”) is critical to our membership, as many of our members engage in activities subject to the Clean Water Act’s (“CWA”) extensive permitting requirements.
The definition of WOTUS is a pivotal aspect of the ability of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers (“the Agencies”) to administer and enforce the CWA. Unfortunately, uncertainty has long surrounded the scope of federal jurisdiction over WOTUS.