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July 21, 2000
AMSA Urges Congress to Remove Rider Barring New TMDL Rule
In Louisville, Ky. for AMSA's 2000 summer conference on total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), the Association's Board of Directors passed a resolution urging Congress to remove a rider preventing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing the July 11, 2000 TMDLs rule and to ensure that “all sources of pollutants bear an equitable share of the cost of meeting the nation's water quality goals and objectives.” The resolution also affirms AMSA's support of EPA's efforts, through the July 11 rule, to achieve “more equitable allocations of pollution reductions among all sources.”Summer Conference Provides Forum for TMDL Discussions
Throughout AMSA's July 18-21 summer conference — TMDL's Obstacles or Opportunities — AMSA members heard a variety of perspectives on TMDLs, including those of EPA, state and local officials, industry, environmental representatives and agriculture. Weighing the latest available information and points of view helped solidify AMSA's support for the implementation of the new TMDL rule, especially state implementation plans and nonpoint source pollution controls. AMSA's Legislative Policy Committee provided a forum for AMSA members and leadership to consider and discuss AMSA's future TMDL strategy.In addition to the wealth of information and numerous discussions provided by the conference on the technical, legal and policy aspects of TMDLs, AMSA members learned of new developments in Washington that could impact the future of the program. Wasting no time, Congress and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) launched legislative and legal attacks on the rule this week. Moves to strike down the rule through joint resolutions have been initiated in both the House and Senate, and the AFBF has filed notice of its intent to sue and petition EPA to challenge the rule's promulgation.
With this week's discussion concluded, it is apparent that AMSA's continued support for the rule will be critical for the future of water quality progress in America. AMSA's strong support for the rule has placed the Association in an extremely influential position in all future TMDL and nonpoint source pollution debates. Although the rule is not perfect, its strong stance on nonpoint source pollution and new requirements for states to document TMDL listing and development methodologies, are believed to be a more equitable approach to TMDLs than previously provided. This week's activities make it imperative for AMSA to continue to provide facts about TMDLs, nonpoint source pollution and water quality to Congress. The National Office will also continue to consult AMSA's leadership and membership and keep them informed through Legal, Regulatory and Legislative Updates and Alerts. The August Clean Water News will contain further details on AMSA's dynamic summer conference, including an order form for audio tapes of the entire conference.