FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
December 11, 2018
Steve Marshall
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
Attorney General Steve Marshall Hails New EPA Water Rule Which Clearly and
Fairly Defines Waters of the United States
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall welcomed the Trump administration’s
release today of a new “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) environmental rule that defines
the scope of the Clean Water Act.
“I applaud the Environmental Protection Agency for the release of a commonsense approach to
the protection of America’s waterways,” said Attorney General Marshall. “The new EPA
Waters of the United States definition clearly delineates whether a waterway is covered by the
federal government, thus simplifying the process for landowners in seeking permits for use of
their property. This new definition will be especially welcome to our farmers, timberland
owners and others who use land for commercial purposes and who were unfairly targeted
under the old Obama administration Waters of the United States rule.”
Today’s release of the new rule follows the EPA’s announcement in June of its intent to
withdraw the unpopular rule which began under President Obama.
The Obama administration’s WOTUS Rule asserted sweeping federal authority over usually
dry channels, roadside ditches, and isolated streams, as well as over land covered by water only
once every 100 years. Furthermore, its broad assertion of authority unlawfully impinged on the
States’ traditional role as the primary regulators of land and water resources.
In 2015, Alabama was among 11 states that filed suit against the EPA over the Obama
administration’s WOTUS. The Sixth Circuit granted a nationwide stay of the WOTUS Rule.
The States subsequently won a nationwide stay blocking enforcement of the rule and allowing
the new administration time to work on withdrawing the rule.
–30–
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
