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May 11, 2001
AMSA Provides Additional Input on Nutrient Criteria
On Wednesday, AMSA submitted comments to EPA on 17 Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria Recommendation documents. AMSA’s comments reiterated our concerns with EPA’s methodology, highlighting the disconnect between the criteria and beneficial uses and the regulatory burden created by the percentile based approach to criteria derivation. AMSA plans to submit comments on the quality of the data in the Nutrient Database once it is made available and will continue to monitor the nutrient criteria development process and provide additional input and comments to EPA as needed. See AMSA's comments at http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/legreg/outreach/5-9-01_66fedreg1671.pdf.
Whitman Continues EPA Budget Testimony
Yesterday, EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on VA, HUD & Independent Agencies, which has jurisdiction over EPA’s budget. In her testimony, Whitman identified wastewater infrastructure needs among her top four priorities, and highlighted the proposed allocation of $450 million for sewer overflow grants. Although Whitman acknowledged that the current budget for wet weather grants is $300 million less than authorized by Congress under the Wet Weather Water Quality Act, she emphasized the importance of getting the program started. In response to inquiries about the total maximum daily load (TMDL) rule, Whitman announced plans to issue a new cost report in late May and reminded legislators of the expected June release of the National Academy of Science’s (NAS) study of the rule.
TMDL Rule Challenge Meets Further Delay
Today the Department of Justice, AMSA, and all other parties in the legal challenge to EPA’s controversial July 2000 TMDL regulation jointly requested an extension until July 15, 2001 to provide the D.C. Circuit court with a proposed briefing schedule for the case. The Court had asked for a schedule by May 15. The joint motion highlights the complexities of the case, which involves 15 challenges, 8 interventions, and three requests for amicus briefs. AMSA and the parties point out in the request that the additional time will allow the parties to "meet to discuss potential resolution of the various issues" and "will better inform the parties as to the most appropriate way to proceed with this litigation." AMSA will continue to pursue our own independent brief in the case. Additional information on the status of AMSA’s legal initiatives can be found at http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/legreg/litigation/litigation.htm#gearhart.
Make Your Voice Heard on Capitol Hill
AMSA’s 2001 National Policy Forum & 31st Annual Meeting, May 19 - 23, will focus on the latest regulatory and legislative developments in the nation’s capital. The afternoon of May 22nd has been set aside for AMSA members to visit their congressional delegations on Capitol Hill and meet with staff at EPA Headquarters. Attendees are urged to make the most of this opportunity to meet with clean water policy makers and discuss national water quality priorities as well as issues of local concern. These visits are especially important this year with infrastructure funding receiving increased attention. Nothing has greater impact than a constituent making an in-person visit to raise their issues first hand. See Legislative Alerts 01-03 and 01-04 for additional information and help making appointments. If you have not yet set up these important meetings, contact Robin Davis at 202/833-3280 or rdavis@amsa-cleanwater.org for assistance. We are looking forward to seeing you in Washington for the Forum!