More than a dozen state attorneys general and one governor have asked recently confirmed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt to scale back on federal involvement in favor of more state control.
A federal appeals court ordered a nationwide block last week on a controversial water rule designed to clarify what water bodies the U.S. government can lawfully regulate.
The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers finalized the Waters of the U.S. rule on Wednesday. The agriculture industry and farmers have opposed the rule, calling it a Washington power grab. Although finalized, the rule still faces lawsuit threats and legislative obstacles.
The public comment period for a proposed rule defining "Waters of the U.S." is set to close on Nov. 14, more than half a year sine the rule was first introduced. During that time, thousands of national lawmakers, state authorities and agriculture officials have criticized the rule.
