Skip to content

Politics

Obama seeks to extend water rules

by Laura Brown 05 May 2011
Obama seeks to extend water rules

The Obama administratiopn has proposed new guidelines to clarify the types of waterways that are under federal regulation under the Clean Water Act.

In a move delighting environment groups, but drawing concern from agricultural lobbies, the new definition of the 1970s act could the increase the government's abilioty to protect streams, wetlands and other sensitge waterways from pollution.

Environmental lobbyists have long criticised vague language in the 1972 Clean Water Act which, it's been argued, has left thousands of polluters to avoid regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Act never clarified exactly which waterways were protected by it, leaving grey space and the ability to evade prosecution by prosecutors.

Two Supreme Court rulings since the Act have failed to resolve the issue.

The new guidelines proposed by the Obama administration hope to do otherwise.

Liosa jackson, chief of the EPA welcomes measures to identify which areas of waterways are protected. ''Today about 117 million Americans - more than a third of the U.S. population - get their drinking water in part from sources that lack clear protection from pollution. At the same time, businesses and regulators face uncertainty and delay' when seeking development permits.

Businesses and property rights groups said the policy will mean more red tape for their industry, putting more unecessary restrictions on companies already trying to the battle a weak economy.

A 60 day public comment period will begin before the plan can be put in place.

On Wednesday, the Obama administration proposed new guidelines to clarify, and expand, the definition of which types of waterways are subject to federal regulation under the Clean Water Act. The new definition could expand regulations to ditches and farm ponds.

Not surprisingly, the proposal is drawing praise from environmental groups and statements of concern from agricultural organizations.

In 2006, the Supreme Court attempted to define the types of waterways covered under the Clean Water Act, but produced five different opinions, and the definition has remained vague.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping