NSSGA members lobby against EPA water rule

By |  February 13, 2015

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing its Waters of the United States rule, which the agency says is designed, in part, to reduce confusion about the Clean Water Act. The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) argues that the rule would have an extremely detrimental effect on aggregate producers.

The rule, says NSSGA, would redefine navigable waterways, allowing the agency to regulate areas that are dry much of the time, and where there is no clear connection to where people or fish swim.

NSSGA President and CEO Mike Johnson told Pit & Quarry that, left unchecked, the rule could make it difficult for many producers to operate. “It could even put some smaller aggregate producers out of business,” Johnson added.

To make their case to Congress, about a dozen NSSGA members took to Capitol Hill. The goal was to join the many voices speaking out against the rule and asking Congress to force EPA to withdraw it.

Johnson said there are a number of things Congress can do to prevent this rule from having a detrimental effect on producers. He noted that even the government’s own Small Business Administration has come out against it.

“We can’t wait to act,” Johnson said. “We can’t stand on the sidelines.” He added that, in addition to the highway bill, he expects this issue will be addressed with Congress during the Transportation Construction Coalition’s Legislative Fly-In in April.

About the Author:

Darren Constantino is an editor of Pit & Quarry magazine. He can be reached at dconstantino@northcoastmedia.net.

Comments are closed