Document ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0644-0708
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Definition of "Waters of the United States"-Addition of an Applicability Date to 2015 Clean Water Rule
Posted Date: 2018-02-06T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5200-5209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02429]

[[Page 5200]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers

33 CFR Part 328

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Parts 110, 112, 116, 117, 122, 230, 232, 300, 302, and 401

[EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0644; FRL-9974-20-OW]
RIN 2040-AF80

Definition of ``Waters of the United States''--Addition of an 
Applicability Date to 2015 Clean Water Rule

AGENCY: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 
Department of Defense; and Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'').

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the 
Army (``the agencies'') are publishing a final rule adding an 
applicability date to the ``Clean Water Rule: Definition of `Waters of 
the United States' '' published June 29, 2015 (the ``2015 Rule'') of 
February 6, 2020. On August 27, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the 
District of North Dakota enjoined the applicability of the 2015 Rule in 
the 13 States challenging the 2015 Rule in that court. On October 9, 
2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit stayed the 2015 
Rule nationwide pending further action of the court. On January 22, 
2018, the Supreme Court held that the courts of appeals do not have 
original jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule. With this 
final rule, the agencies intend to maintain the status quo by adding an 
applicability date to the 2015 Rule and thus providing continuity and 
regulatory certainty for regulated entities, the States and Tribes, and 
the public while the agencies continue to consider possible revisions 
to the 2015 Rule.

DATES: This rule is effective on February 6, 2018.

ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0644. All documents in the docket are 
listed on the http://www.regulations.gov website. Although listed in 
the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or 
other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain 
other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the 
internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. 
Publicly available docket materials are available electronically 
through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Donna Downing, Office of Water 
(4504-T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: (202) 566-2428; email address: 
[email protected]; or Ms. Stacey Jensen, Regulatory Community of 
Practice (CECW-CO-R), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 441 G Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20314; telephone number: (202) 761-5903; email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Environmental Protection Agency 
(``EPA'') and the Department of the Army (``Army'') (together ``the 
agencies'') are publishing a final rule adding an applicability date to 
the ``Clean Water Rule: Definition of `Waters of the United States' '' 
(the ``2015 Rule'') of February 6, 2020. The effective date of the 2015 
Rule was August 28, 2015. On July 27, 2017, the agencies published a 
proposed rule to initiate the first step in a comprehensive, two-step 
process intended to review and revise, as appropriate and consistent 
with law, the definition of ``waters of the United States,'' after a 
review initiated in light of Executive Order 13778, ``Restoring the 
Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the `Waters 
of the United States' Rule'' (Feb. 28, 2017). The first step in the 
process (``Step One'') proposed to rescind the definition of ``waters 
of the United States'' promulgated by the agencies in 2015 in the Code 
of Federal Regulations and revert to the previous definition of 
``waters of the United States'' in place before the 2015 Rule, which 
defines the scope of the waters covered by the Clean Water Act 
(``CWA''). In a second step (``Step Two''), the agencies intend to 
pursue a public notice-and-comment rulemaking in which the agencies 
would conduct a substantive re-evaluation of the definition of ``waters 
of the United States.''
    The agencies have been implementing the previous definition of 
``waters of the United States'' in place before the 2015 Rule as a 
result of a decision issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth 
Circuit staying the 2015 Rule nationwide and a decision by the U.S. 
District Court for the District of North Dakota enjoining the 2015 Rule 
in 13 States. On January 22, 2018, the Supreme Court held that the 
courts of appeals do not have original jurisdiction to review 
challenges to the 2015 Rule. With this final rule adding an 
applicability date to the 2015 Rule, the agencies intend to provide 
clarity and certainty about the definition of ``waters of the United 
States'' for an interim period while they continue to work on the two-
step rulemaking process.
    The addition of the applicability date to the 2015 Rule of February 
6, 2020 under this final rule would provide that the scope of the CWA 
remains consistent nationwide and, for a defined, interim period, 
remains the same as it was prior to promulgation of the rule in 2015 
and as it has been since the 2015 Rule was stayed nationwide on October 
9, 2015. Furthermore, this rule is necessary in light of the Supreme 
Court's decision that the courts of appeals do not have original 
jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule and remand of the 
case with instructions to the Sixth Circuit to dismiss the petitions 
for review for lack of jurisdiction, which will directly impact the 
Sixth Circuit's existing nationwide stay of the 2015 Rule. This final 
rule adding an applicability date to the 2015 Rule maintains the legal 
status quo and thus provides continuity and certainty for regulated 
entities, the States and Tribes, agency staff, and the public. Subject 
to further action by the agencies, until the applicability date of the 
2015 Rule, the agencies will administer the regulations in place prior 
to the 2015 Rule, and will continue to interpret the statutory term 
``waters of the United States'' to mean the waters covered by those 
regulations, as they are currently being implemented, consistent with 
Supreme Court decisions and practice, and as informed by applicable 
agency guidance documents.
    State, tribal, and local governments have well-defined and 
longstanding relationships with the federal government in implementing 
CWA programs and these relationships are not altered by this final 
rule. This final rule does not establish any new regulatory 
requirements. Rather, this rule adds an applicability date to the 2015 
Rule and, as a result, leaves in place the current legal status quo 
nationwide while the agencies continue to engage in substantive 
rulemaking to reconsider the definition of ``waters of the United 
States.''

I. Background and Discussion of Addition of Applicability Date

A. What This Final Rule Does

    In 2015, the agencies published the ``Clean Water Rule: Definition 
of `Waters of the United States' '' (80 FR 37054, June 29, 2015). The 
2015 Rule had an effective date of August 28, 2015. On August 27, 2015, 
the U.S. District Court

[[Page 5201]]

for the District of North Dakota enjoined the applicability of the 2015 
Rule in the 13 States challenging the 2015 Rule in that court, and on 
October 9, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit stayed 
the 2015 Rule nationwide pending further action of the court. On 
November 22, 2017, the agencies proposed to add an applicability date 
of two years from the date of final action on the proposal. The 
effective date of the 2015 Rule was established by a document published 
by the agencies in the Federal Register (80 FR 37054, June 29, 2015). 
The Code of Federal Regulations text does not include an applicability 
date; therefore, after consideration of public comment, the agencies 
are amending the text of the Code of Federal Regulations to add an 
applicability date. Subject to further action by the agencies, until 
the applicability date of the 2015 Rule, the agencies will administer 
the regulations in place prior to the 2015 Rule, and will continue to 
interpret the statutory term ``waters of the United States'' to mean 
the waters covered by those regulations, as they are currently being 
implemented, consistent with Supreme Court decisions and practice, and 
as informed by applicable agency guidance documents, as the agencies 
have been operating pursuant to the Sixth Circuit's October 9, 2015, 
order. Thus, this final rule allows the current legal status quo to 
remain in place nationwide.

B. History and the Purpose of This Rulemaking

    Congress enacted the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments 
of 1972, Pub. L. 92-500, 86 Stat. 816, as amended, Pub. L. 95-217, 91 
Stat. 1566, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. (``Clean Water Act'' or ``CWA'' or 
``Act'') ``to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and 
biological integrity of the Nation's waters.'' Section 101(a). A 
primary tool in achieving that purpose is a prohibition on the 
discharge of any pollutants, including dredged or fill material, to 
``navigable waters,'' except in accordance with the Act. Section 
301(a). The CWA provides that ``[t]he term `navigable waters' means the 
waters of the United States, including the territorial seas.'' Section 
502(7).
    The regulations defining the ``waters of the United States'' 
currently applicable were established in large part in 1977 (42 FR 
37122, July 19, 1977). While EPA administers most provisions in the 
CWA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (``Corps'') administers the 
permitting program under section 404. During the 1980s, both of these 
agencies adopted substantially similar definitions of the term ``waters 
of the United States'' (51 FR 41206, Nov. 13, 1986, amending 33 CFR 
328.3; 53 FR 20764, June 6, 1988, amending 40 CFR 232.2).
    In 2015, the agencies published a final rule defining ``waters of 
the United States'' (80 FR 37054). Thirty-one States and other parties 
sought judicial review in multiple actions in federal district courts 
and circuit courts of appeal, raising concerns about the scope and 
legal authority for the 2015 Rule. One district court issued an order 
granting a motion for preliminary injunction one day prior to the 
rule's effective date that applies to the 13 plaintiff States in that 
case, State of North Dakota et al. v. U.S. EPA, No. 15-00059, slip op. 
at 1-2 (D.N.D. Aug. 27, 2015, as clarified by order issued on September 
4, 2015), and several weeks later, the Sixth Circuit stayed the 2015 
Rule nationwide to restore the ``pre-Rule regime, pending judicial 
review.'' In re U.S. Dep't of Def. & U.S. Envtl. Prot. Agency Final 
Rule: Clean Water Rule, No. 15-3751 (lead), slip op. at 6. Consistent 
with the Sixth Circuit's order, the agencies are applying the 
definition of ``waters of the United States'' that preceded the 2015 
Rule nationwide. On January 13, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court granted 
certiorari on the question of whether the court of appeals has original 
jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule. The Sixth Circuit 
granted petitioners' motion to hold in abeyance the briefing schedule 
in the litigation challenging the 2015 Rule pending a Supreme Court 
decision on the question of the court of appeals' jurisdiction. On 
October 11, 2017, the Supreme Court held oral argument, and on January 
22, 2018, the Supreme Court held that the courts of appeals lacked 
original jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule.
    Separate from today's final rule, the agencies are engaged in a 
two-step process intended to review and revise, as appropriate and 
consistent with law, the definition of ``waters of the United States.'' 
This process began in response to an Executive Order issued on February 
28, 2017 by the President entitled ``Restoring the Rule of Law, 
Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the `Waters of the United 
States' Rule.'' Section 1 of the Order states, ``[i]t is in the 
national interest to ensure that the Nation's navigable waters are kept 
free from pollution, while at the same time promoting economic growth, 
minimizing regulatory uncertainty, and showing due regard for the roles 
of the Congress and the States under the Constitution.'' The Executive 
Order directed the EPA and the Army to review the 2015 Rule for 
consistency with the policy outlined in section 1 of the Order, and to 
issue a proposed rule rescinding or revising the 2015 Rule as 
appropriate and consistent with law (Section 2). The Executive Order 
also directed the agencies to ``consider interpreting the term 
`navigable waters' . . . in a manner consistent with'' Justice Scalia's 
plurality opinion in Rapanos v. United States, 547 U.S. 715 (2006) 
(Section 3).
    On July 27, 2017, the agencies proposed the Step One rule to 
rescind the 2015 Rule and replace it with the regulatory text that 
governed prior to the promulgation of the 2015 Rule (82 FR 34899), as 
informed by applicable guidance documents and consistent with Supreme 
Court decisions and agency practice and which the agencies are 
currently implementing consistent with the court stay of the 2015 Rule. 
The agencies are reviewing and considering the large volume of public 
comments that they received on the Step One proposal.

C. Today's Final Rule

    This final rule adds an applicability date to the 2015 Rule such 
that it will not be implemented until February 6, 2020. Until the 
applicability date of the 2015 Rule and subject to further action by 
the agencies, the agencies will continue to implement nationwide the 
previous regulatory definition of ``waters of the United States,'' and 
will continue to interpret the statutory term ``waters of the United 
States'' to mean the waters covered by those regulations, as they are 
currently being implemented, consistent with Supreme Court decisions 
and practice, and as informed by applicable agency guidance documents 
(the 2003 and 2008 guidance documents \1\) as the agencies have been 
operating pursuant to the Sixth Circuit's October 9, 2015, order and 
the North Dakota district court's injunction. The previous regulatory 
definitions the agencies will continue to implement, as informed by the 
2003 and 2008 guidance documents, are the EPA and the Corps separate 
regulations defining the statutory term ``waters of the United 
States,'' which are interpreted identically and have remained largely 
unchanged since 1977 (see 42 FR 37122, 37124, 37127 (July 19, 1977)). 
During the 1980s, both of these agencies

[[Page 5202]]

adopted definitions substantially similar to those in the 1977 
regulations (51 FR 41206, Nov. 13, 1986, amending 33 CFR 328.3; 53 FR 
20764, June 6, 1988, amending 40 CFR 232.2).\2\ The scope of CWA 
jurisdiction is an issue of national importance, and therefore, the 
agencies will endeavor to provide for robust deliberations and public 
engagement as they re-evaluate the definition of ``waters of the United 
States.'' While engaging in such deliberations, however, the agencies 
recognize the need to provide clarity, certainty, and consistency 
nationwide. The pre-2015 Rule regulatory regime is applicable today as 
a result of the Sixth Circuit's stay and the District of North Dakota's 
preliminary injunction of the 2015 Rule. The stay and the preliminary 
injunction provided some level of certainty and stability for the 
public while issues regarding the 2015 Rule were reviewed by the courts 
and are now being re-evaluated by the agencies.
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    \1\ Joint Memorandum providing clarifying guidance regarding the 
Supreme Court's decision in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook 
County v. United States Army Corps of Engineers, 531 U.S. 159 (2001) 
(``SWANCC''), available at 68 FR 1991, 1995 (Jan. 15, 2003) and 
Joint Memorandum, ``Clean Water Act Jurisdiction Following the U.S. 
Supreme Court's Decision in Rapanos v. United States & Carabell v. 
United States,'' (signed December 2, 2008), available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/cwa_jurisdiction_following_rapanos120208.pdf.
    \2\ In 1993, the agencies added an exclusion for prior converted 
cropland to the definition of ``waters of the United States'' (58 FR 
45008, August 25, 1993).
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    The Supreme Court's decision that the courts of appeals do not have 
original jurisdiction to review challenges to the 2015 Rule and remand 
of the case with instructions to the Sixth Circuit to dismiss the 
petitions for review for lack of jurisdiction will directly impact the 
Sixth Circuit's stay of the 2015 Rule. As noted previously, prior to 
the Sixth Circuit's stay order, the U.S. District Court for the 
District of North Dakota preliminarily enjoined the 2015 Rule in the 
States that are parties in that litigation (North Dakota, Alaska, 
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, 
Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming).\3\ Therefore, when the 
Sixth Circuit's nationwide stay expires, the 2015 Rule would be 
enjoined under the District of North Dakota's order in States covering 
a large geographic area of the country, but the rule would be in effect 
in the rest of the country pending further judicial action or 
rulemaking by the agencies. In addition, many other district court 
cases on the 2015 Rule are pending, including several in which 
challengers have filed motions for preliminary injunctions. Litigation 
of these cases, which involve different parties in different courts, 
may lead to judicial orders affecting the applicability of the 2015 
Rule. The agencies have concluded that all of these actions are likely 
to lead to uncertainty and confusion as to the regulatory regime 
applicable, and to inconsistencies between the regulatory regimes 
applicable in different States, pending further rulemaking by the 
agencies. Having different regulatory regimes in effect throughout the 
country would be complicated and inefficient for both the public and 
the agencies.
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    \3\ The agencies note that Iowa's motion to intervene in the 
case was granted after issuance of the preliminary injunction.
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    This final rule establishes a framework for an interim period of 
time that avoids these inconsistencies, uncertainty, and confusion, 
pending further rulemaking action by the agencies. The rule ensures 
that, during an interim period, the scope of CWA jurisdiction will be 
administered nationwide exactly as it is now being administered by the 
agencies, and as it was administered prior to the promulgation of the 
2015 Rule.
    In addition, the agencies are finalizing an applicability date of 
February 6, 2020, in order to ensure the implementation of a consistent 
nationwide framework while the agencies continue work on the regulatory 
process for reconsidering the definition of ``waters of the United 
States.'' The agencies are undertaking an extensive outreach effort to 
gather information and recommendations from States and Tribes, 
regulated entities, and the public. The scope of the Clean Water Act is 
of great national interest, and there were more than 680,000 public 
comments submitted to the agencies on the Step One proposal and 
approximately 6,400 recommendations submitted in response to the 
agencies' outreach efforts in 2017. The agencies continue to work as 
expeditiously as possible on the two-step rulemaking process. Addition 
of an applicability date to the 2015 Rule will result in additional 
clarity and predictability and will ensure the application of a 
consistent interpretation and definition of ``waters of the United 
States'' nationwide during the pendency of these rulemaking efforts.
    The agencies recognize that this action may be confused with the 
Step One and Step Two rulemaking efforts. But to be clear, the 
agencies' Step One proposed rule and any future Step Two actions are 
separate from today's final rule. The comment period for the Step One 
proposed rule addressing the rescission of the 2015 Rule closed on 
September 27, 2017, and the agencies are considering those comments. In 
addition, the agencies are developing the Step Two proposal addressing 
potential substantive changes to the definition of the term ``waters of 
the United States.'' The agencies today are finalizing this targeted 
rule to ensure regulatory certainty and consistent implementation of 
the CWA nationwide while the agencies work on the Step One and Step Two 
regulatory actions.

II. General Information

A. How can I get copies of this document and related information?

    1. Docket. An official public docket for this action has been 
established under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0644. The official 
public docket consists of the documents specifically referenced in this 
action, and other information related to this action. The official 
public docket is the collection of materials that is available for 
public viewing at the OW Docket, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution 
Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004. This Docket Facility is open from 8:30 
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
OW Docket telephone number is 202-566-2426. A reasonable fee will be 
charged for copies.
    2. Electronic Access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically under the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.regulations.gov. An electronic version of the public docket is 
available through EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, 
EPA Dockets. You may access EPA Dockets at http://www.regulations.gov 
to view public comments as they are submitted and posted, access the 
index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and access 
those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. 
For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit the EPA 
Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm. 
Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you 
may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through 
the Docket Facility.

B. What is the Agencies' authority for taking this action?

    The authority for this action is the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq., including sections 301, 304, 311, 
401, 402, 404, and 501.

C. What are the economic impacts of this action?

    The agencies have determined that there are no economic costs and 
unquantifiable benefits associated with this action. For purposes of 
considering potential economic impacts of this final rule, the agencies 
believe it is reasonable and appropriate in light of the ongoing, 
complex litigation over the 2015 Rule to use the legal status quo as a 
baseline. This final rule has the effect

[[Page 5203]]

of providing the public with regulatory certainty while the agencies 
pursue a substantive rulemaking process. This final rule eliminates a 
source of uncertainty for the regulated community as they consider 
investments. While the agencies recognize that there are likely to be 
benefits associated with the regulatory certainty provided by this 
final rule, we are unable to quantify those benefits for purposes of 
considering potential economic impacts of this final rule. The agencies 
have prepared a memorandum to the record to provide the public with 
information about this conclusion with respect to the potential 
economic impacts associated with this action. A copy of the memorandum 
is available in the docket for this action.

D. What is the effective date?

    This final rule is effective immediately upon publication. Section 
553(d) of the Administrative Procedure Act (``APA''), 5 U.S.C. 553(d), 
provides that final rules shall not become effective until 30 days 
after publication in the Federal Register, ``except . . . as otherwise 
provided by the agency for good cause,'' among other exceptions. The 
purpose of this provision is to ``give affected parties a reasonable 
time to adjust their behavior before the final rule takes effect.'' 
Omnipoint Corp. v. FCC, 78 F.3d 620, 630 (D.C. Cir. 1996); see also 
United States v. Gavrilovic, 551 F.2d 1099, 1104 (8th Cir. 1977) 
(quoting legislative history). Thus, in determining whether good cause 
exists to waive the 30-day delay, an agency should ``balance the 
necessity for immediate implementation against principles of 
fundamental fairness which require that all affected persons be 
afforded a reasonable amount of time to prepare for the effective date 
of its ruling.'' Gavrilovic, 551 F.2d at 1105.
    This final rule will not require affected persons to take action or 
change behavior to come into compliance, as the rule does not establish 
any new regulatory requirements. Rather, this rule has the effect of 
maintaining the legal status quo that has been in place since the Sixth 
Circuit's nationwide stay of the 2015 Rule and before the promulgation 
of the 2015 Rule. In addition, the agencies find that there is an 
immediate need for this rule to go into effect as soon as possible to 
provide regulatory certainty, as the Supreme Court has ruled that the 
Sixth Circuit did not have original jurisdiction over the 2015 Rule. 
See Gavrilovic, 551 F.2d at 1104 (recognizing ``urgency of conditions'' 
along with ``demonstrated and unavoidable limitations of time'' as 
legitimate grounds for a section 553(d)(3) good cause finding). As 
discussed herein, the Supreme Court's decision will indirectly impact 
the existing regulatory framework and likely will result in 
inconsistent nationwide application of the scope of the CWA unless this 
final rule becomes effective upon publication. By effectuating this 
rule immediately, the agencies seek to avoid the nationwide 
inconsistencies, uncertainty, and confusion that would result from the 
application of different definitions of ``waters of the United States'' 
in different States at different times. Cf. Riverbend Farms, Inc. v. 
Madigan, 958 F.2d 1479, 1486 (9th Cir. 1992) (finding good cause where 
the 30-day delay would ``throw[] the entire regulatory program out of 
kilter''). For these reasons, the agencies find that good cause exists 
under section 553(d)(3) to make this rule effective immediately upon 
publication.

III. Public Comments

    The agencies received approximately 4,600 public comments on the 
proposed rule. The agencies have carefully considered those comments.
    Some commenters expressed confusion that the pre-publication 
version of the proposed rule was titled an amendment to the ``effective 
date'' of the 2015 Rule, while the Federal Register notice was titled 
an amendment to the ``applicability date'' of the 2015 Rule. Other 
commenters requested clarification of the use of the term 
``applicability date'' in the rule. In accordance with the Document 
Drafting Handbook of the Office of the Federal Register, the term 
``effective date'' is a term of art used exclusively to mean the date 
that the Office of Federal Register amends the Code of Federal 
Regulations by following the amendatory instructions in an agency's 
final rule. ``Document Drafting Handbook,'' Office of the Federal 
Register (Revision 5, dated October 2, 2017) at 3-8. Thus the 
``effective date'' of the 2015 Rule for purposes of the Office of the 
Federal Register was August 28, 2015, the date the Office of the 
Federal Register amended the Code of Federal Regulations. The agencies 
are not changing that ``effective date.'' However, with this rule, the 
agencies are making a targeted change to the text of the 2015 Rule in 
the Code of Federal Regulations by adding an applicability date, which 
establishes a new date on which the 2015 Rule would apply for purposes 
of implementation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act, subject to a 
future rulemaking action taken by the agencies. Those commenters 
further expressed confusion as to what the impact of the new 
applicability date would be, in particular on existing permits and 
ongoing and new requests for jurisdictional determinations. If the new 
applicability date is reached without further final action by the 
agencies, the agencies explained in the preamble to the 2015 Rule how 
they will proceed with respect to existing and new permits and 
jurisdictional determinations when a changed definition of ``waters of 
the United States'' becomes effective, in terms of both the Office of 
the Federal Register and legal requirements (80 FR 37073-37074).
    Commenters in support of this rulemaking to establish an 
applicability date asserted that the agencies have the discretion to 
postpone implementation of regulations that have gone into effect where 
the agencies are in the process of revising a rule, and that the 
agencies have discretion to establish an applicability date that 
differs from an effective date. Commenters opposed to the proposed rule 
stated that the agencies lack statutory authority to postpone the 
effective date of a rule after its effective date has passed. The 
agencies disagree that they lack statutory authority to add an 
applicability date to the 2015 Rule; the agencies' statutory authority 
flows from their discretionary authority under the Clean Water Act to 
define ``waters of the United States.'' Nothing in the Clean Water Act 
requires the agencies to promulgate a regulatory definition of ``waters 
of the United States,'' and, further, nothing in the Clean Water Act 
requires that any such definition be in effect, or applicable, by a 
certain time after promulgation. Congress is very clear in the Clean 
Water Act when it requires EPA to promulgate a particular rule and when 
it requires a rule to be in effect by a specific time after 
promulgation. For example, under Section 304(b) of the Act, EPA must 
promulgate and revise, if appropriate, effluent limitations guidelines. 
Once those regulations are promulgated, Section 301(b) of the Act 
requires compliance with those effluent limitations guidelines no later 
than three years after they are established. In contrast, here, the 
agencies could have promulgated the same rule in 2015 with an 
applicability date any number of years in the future. That the agencies 
chose not to exercise their authority to do so at that time does not 
divest the agencies of such authority now. Exercise of that authority 
must be reasonable under the APA, and here the agencies have explained 
that it is reasonable to change the applicability date of a rule that 
is currently stayed nationwide by

[[Page 5204]]

court order, and that was in effect for a short time and only in part 
of the country.
    Some commenters stated that the agencies lack authority under 
Section 705 of the Administrative Procedure Act, which provides that 
when an agency finds that justice requires, it may postpone the 
effective date of an action pending judicial review. The agencies are 
not utilizing Section 705 in this final rule. For purposes of this 
final rule, the agencies decided to use their rulemaking authority to 
provide the public with notice and opportunity to comment through the 
normal rulemaking process, if on a somewhat shortened timeframe.
    Adding an applicability date does not upset the ongoing 
implementation of the Clean Water Act and the programs governed by the 
definition of ``waters of the United States'' because those programs 
will continue to be implemented as they have been under the nationwide 
stay and before the promulgation of the 2015 Rule--indeed as they have 
been for more than a decade since the Rapanos decision. Further, the 
agencies have reasonably exercised their authority by promulgating a 
specific end date, rather than an open-ended suspension of the 2015 
Rule.
    Commenters in support of the addition of an applicability date 
noted that the rule will help maintain the status quo and thus provide 
continuity and regulatory certainty throughout the litigation over the 
2015 Rule and the agencies' subsequent rulemaking. One commenter 
asserted that such clarity would be needed to make investment decisions 
regarding infrastructure and energy projects. Commenters also stated 
the view that the extension would preserve the status quo and eliminate 
inconsistencies in the regulatory framework. For example, one commenter 
suggested that this rule will allow ``[f]armers, ranchers, and 
foresters'' to ``operate on a level playing field'' by removing the 
potential for the same activities in different States to be subject to 
different rules. Several commenters representing industry and the 
regulated community also noted that the rulemaking process could take 
``years'' and indicated that adding an applicability date to the 2015 
Rule would reduce uncertainty.
    Commenters opposed to the rule asserted that delaying the 2015 Rule 
will increase regulatory uncertainty because the pre-2015 regulatory 
regime was confusing and required case-by-case jurisdictional 
determinations. Further, commenters stated that the agencies cannot 
``suspend'' a rule on the basis that it may be stayed in some parts of 
the country but not others, or because the agencies may revise the 
rule. After consideration of these comments, the agencies disagree that 
the final rule will increase regulatory uncertainty and have concluded 
that the final rule will increase regulatory certainty. First, the 2015 
Rule noted the extensive experience of the agencies in making 
jurisdictional determinations. Since the Rapanos decision, the 
agencies, most often the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have made more 
than 400,000 CWA jurisdictional determinations (80 FR 37065). This 
experience, and the agencies' interpretation and implementation of the 
scope of ``waters of the United States'' for more than a decade since 
the Rapanos decision, provides the certainty that the Sixth Circuit 
sought when it stayed the rule in order to maintain the status quo. 
Further, in determining whether the agencies have reasonably concluded 
that this rule will provide regulatory certainty across the nation, the 
proper comparison is not to a regulatory regime that never existed--
nationwide implementation of the 2015 Rule--but rather to the 
uncertainty that the agencies have identified as a reasonable concern: 
Different definitions of ``waters of the United States'' enjoined or 
stayed in various judicial districts, States, or groups of States such 
that the scope of the Clean Water Act varies depending upon where a 
discharge may occur. The final rule is designed to address that 
uncertainty by maintaining the status quo for both the public and the 
State and federal agencies which implement the Clean Water Act. 
Further, this final rule provides additional certainty because it 
maintains the status quo for a set period of time, rather than an 
uncertain one based on the actions by parties and judges in various 
cases.
    Commenters also claimed that this rule establishing an 
applicability date would result in a regulatory gap because the prior 
regulatory regime was repealed in 2015 and the new regulatory regime 
would not apply for another two years. Upon consideration of these 
comments, the agencies have concluded that there will not be a 
regulatory gap. As a threshold matter, the text of the rule that was 
modified by the 2015 Rule is still being applied by the agencies today. 
The 2015 Rule never went into effect in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, 
Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, 
Nevada, South Dakota, and Wyoming, and was only briefly in effect in 
the remainder of the country until the Sixth Circuit issued its 
nationwide stay. That order stayed implementation of the 2015 Rule 
Furthermore, the agencies clearly explained in the preamble to the 
proposed rule that, until the new applicability date or a subsequent 
rulemaking action by the agencies, the agencies will continue to 
implement the prior regulatory definitions, informed by applicable 
agency guidance documents and consistent with Supreme Court decisions 
and longstanding agency practice, as the agencies have been operating 
pursuant to the Sixth Circuit's October 9, 2015 stay order.
    Additionally, the statutory regime remains in place and, until the 
new applicability date or a subsequent rulemaking action by the 
agencies, the agencies will continue to interpret the statutory 
provision ``[t]he term `navigable waters' means the waters of the 
United States, including the territorial seas,'' CWA Section 502(7), to 
mean the waters identified by the prior regulatory definitions, 
informed by applicable agency guidance documents and consistent with 
Supreme Court decisions and agency practice. Therefore, during this 
interim time period the agencies will continue to interpret and 
implement the Clean Water Act as they have been, informed by pre-2015 
Rule definitions and applicable agency guidance documents, and 
consistent with Supreme Court decisions and longstanding agency 
practice. The hundreds of thousands of jurisdictional determinations 
issued primarily by the Corps and the enforcement actions taken by the 
agencies provide further interpretations of the geographic scope of the 
Clean Water Act and further basis for the agencies' conclusion that the 
addition of an applicability date is a reasonable means of maintaining 
the status quo. The agencies' longstanding interpretation and 
implementation of the Clean Water Act since Rapanos means that there 
will not be a gap, nor will it be unclear to the public or the 
regulated community as to how the agencies intend to continue to 
implement the Act.
    Commenters opposed to the proposed rule stated that postponing the 
effective date of a rule is tantamount to repeal, and therefore, must 
proceed through proper rulemaking procedures, including examining the 
scientific basis of the 2015 Rule and the alternatives, costs and 
benefits of the delay. Therefore, they claim that the agencies have 
failed to address certain issues, including: the scientific record 
supporting the 2015 Rule; the inadequacies of the pre-existing 
regulatory regime that the 2015 Rule discussed, including the confusion 
and

[[Page 5205]]

case-by-case litigation resulting from SWANCC and Rapanos; and why a 
desire for certainty outweighs the CWA's objectives. Addition of a new 
applicability date to a rule is not tantamount to a repeal of a rule. 
Repeal would mean the text of the regulation would no longer exist in 
the Code of Federal Regulations, and that is not what this final rule 
does; instead, it adds text to the 2015 Rule. As the Supreme Court 
noted about the November 2017 proposed rule: ``That proposed rule does 
not purport to rescind the WOTUS Rule; it simply delays the WOTUS 
Rule's effective date.'' National Ass'n of Manufacturers v. Dep't of 
Defense, et al, 16-299 (2018) at n.5. Because this final rule has been 
promulgated through proper rulemaking procedures and simply maintains 
the status quo for an interim period, and does not repeal or replace 
the 2015 Rule, the agencies are under no obligation to address the 
merits of the 2015 Rule because the addition of an applicability date 
to the 2015 Rule does not implicate the merits of that rule. In 
addition, the agencies believe that the certainty of continued 
implementation of the agencies' longstanding interpretation of the 
Clean Water Act for an interim period is not inconsistent with the 
Clean Water Act's objectives and is not the product of an improper 
balancing of applicable factors.
    The agencies received a number of comments about the length of the 
comment period. Commenters claimed that a 21-day comment period was 
insufficient time to adequately respond to the notice of proposed 
rulemaking, in part because the comment period coincided with the 
Thanksgiving holiday. Several commenters noted that Executive Order 
12866 suggests a 60-day comment period, while other commenters 
suggested a 30-day minimum. Additionally, some commenters contrasted 
the 21-day comment period with the 60-day comment period provided for 
the Step One proposed rule and the six-month comment period provided 
for the proposed 2015 Rule. The agencies also received requests to 
extend the comment period.
    The APA does not specify a minimum number of days for accepting 
comment. Rather, agencies must provide the public with a ``meaningful 
opportunity'' to comment on a proposed rule. Rural Cellular Ass'n v. 
FCC, 588 F.3d 1095, 1101 (D.C. Cir. 2009). Though the length of the 
comment period is a factor in determining whether the public was 
afforded a ``meaningful opportunity'' to comment, courts have upheld 
comment periods of less than 30 days where, for example, the agency was 
acting under exigent circumstances. See, e.g., Omnipoint Corp. v. FCC, 
78 F.3d 620, 629-30 (D.C. Cir. 1996) (upholding 15-day comment period 
where there was ``urgent necessity for rapid administrative action 
under the circumstances'' and the public was not harmed).
    Here, the agencies received more than 4,600 comments. Commenters 
provided a thoughtful analysis of issues relevant to the agencies' 
proposed rule, including the agencies' legal rationale and authority 
for adding an applicability date, the factors related to the economic 
analysis, and the timeframe for the delay. Although the agencies 
provided longer comment periods for the Step One proposed rule and the 
proposed 2015 Rule, a shorter comment period for this rule was 
warranted given the need to proceed expeditiously. Indeed, the Supreme 
Court issued a decision on the question of original jurisdiction over 
challenges to the 2015 Rule on January 22, 2018, demonstrating that 
there was an urgent need to establish a clear regulatory framework to 
avoid the possible inconsistencies, uncertainty, and confusion that 
could result from the effects of the Court's ruling. Further, the 
length of the comment period was appropriate for the scope of this 
rulemaking, which is a narrowly tailored action adding an applicability 
date to the 2015 Rule.
    Several commenters suggested that the agencies have not approached 
this rulemaking with an open mind, thus violating the APA and the 
commenters' due process rights. These commenters also cited to specific 
examples of Administrator Pruitt's remarks and appearances, including 
the Administrator's involvement in litigation against the 2015 Rule, as 
potential evidence that the Administrator has an ``unalterably closed 
mind'' and should be disqualified from participating in this 
rulemaking. See Ass'n of Nat'l Advertisers, Inc. v. FTC, 627 F.2d 1151, 
1154 (D.C. Cir. 1979).
    To satisfy the APA's notice and comment requirements, agencies must 
provide a ``meaningful opportunity'' for comment and ``remain 
sufficiently open minded.'' Rural Cellular Ass'n v. FCC, 588 F.3d 1095, 
1101 (D.C. Cir. 2009). An agency demonstrates the requisite open mind 
where it engages in a thoughtful review and consideration of comments, 
as the agencies have done here. See Mortgage Inv'rs Corp. v. Gober, 220 
F.3d 1375, 1378-79 (Fed. Cir. 2000). Further, an agency's failure to 
revise or change a rule in response to comments is not indicative of a 
closed mind. Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety v. Fed. Highway 
Admin., 28 F.3d 1288, 1292-93 (D.C. Cir. 1994).
    Moreover, Administrator Pruitt is not disqualified from this 
rulemaking. An administrator is ``presumed to be objective and `capable 
of judging a particular controversy fairly on the basis of its own 
circumstances.''' United Steelworkers of Am. v. Marshall, 647 F.2d 
1189, 1208 (D.C. Cir. 1980). This presumption is not overcome where an 
administrator has ``taken a public position,'' ``expressed strong 
views,'' or held ``an underlying philosophy with respect to an issue.'' 
Id. Indeed, ``[t]he legitimate functions of a policymaker . . . demand 
an interchange and discussion about important issues.'' 627 F.2d at 
1168. For this reason, ``discussion of policy or advocacy on a legal 
question . . . is not sufficient to disqualify an administrator'' in 
the rulemaking context. Id. at 1171; see also id. at 1174 (``We would 
eviscerate the proper evolution of policymaking were we to disqualify 
every administrator who has opinions on the correct course of his 
agency's future action.''). Here, neither Administrator Pruitt's 
statements nor his participation in earlier proceedings related to the 
2015 Rule require his recusal. See 647 F.2d at 1208-09. Contrary to 
some commenters' suggestions, Administrator Pruitt has expressed 
support for broad public comment to help the agencies make an informed 
decision.
    One commenter alleged that documents released pursuant to a Freedom 
of Information Act request suggest that the purpose of the proposed 
rule is to prevent implementation of and facilitate the repeal of the 
2015 Rule due to a substantive disagreement with that rule. The 
commenter further asserts that the agencies' failure to solicit comment 
on the rule's ``true'' rationale violates the APA by depriving the 
public of an opportunity to comment on this issue. Other commenters 
suggested the purpose of this rule is to avoid judicial review of the 
2015 Rule.
    Consistent with the APA, agencies must provide sufficient 
information in a notice of proposed rulemaking such that the public has 
the opportunity to meaningfully comment on the basis of a proposed 
rule. See Portland Cement Ass'n v. Ruckelshaus, 486 F.2d 375, 393-94 & 
n.67 (D.C. Cir. 1973). As discussed herein, the agencies' rationale for 
this rule is to provide for regulatory certainty and to maintain the 
legal status quo nationwide. By giving the public an opportunity to 
comment on this rationale, the agencies have satisfied this obligation 
under the APA.

[[Page 5206]]

See also Ad Hoc Metals Coal. v. Whitman, 227 F. Supp. 2d 134, 143 
(D.D.C. 2002) (``Judicial review of agency action should be based on an 
agency's stated justifications, not the predecisional process that led 
up to the final, articulated decision.''). While the agencies are 
indeed undertaking rulemaking that could rescind and replace the 2015 
Rule, those separate rulemaking efforts do not change the scope and 
nature of this action, which is simply an effort to provide 
implementation certainty for a limited period of time.
    With respect to the time period of this rule, the agencies proposed 
establishing an applicability date for the 2015 Rule of two years after 
a final rule and sought comment on whether the time period should be 
shorter or longer, and on whether adding the applicability date 
contributes to regulatory certainty. Relatively few commenters directly 
addressed whether the timeframe for extending the applicability date 
was the appropriate length of time.
    Of those commenters opposed to the proposed addition of an 
applicability date, none directly addressed whether the proposed two-
year timeframe was appropriate or proposed an alternate timeframe. A 
number of commenters opposed the extension generally, citing concerns 
that the delay would result in harm to the environment by not 
protecting certain categories of waters. One noted that ``two years of 
compromised protection for our nation's waters is not a `relatively 
short period of time,' '' but did not suggest an alternative. Some 
commenters called the two-year period ``arbitrary,'' but did not 
suggest an alternative.
    Of those commenters who supported the proposal to delay 
implementation of the 2015 Rule, most appeared to directly or 
indirectly support the proposed two-year timeframe. A number of 
commenters referred to the need for adequate time to complete 
rulemaking. One commenter noted that the two-year timeframe was 
``appropriately tailored to provide a reasonable length of time for the 
Agencies to undertake this rulemaking to define the geographic scope of 
WOTUS in a manner that is true to the Clean Water Act (``CWA''), 
Constitution, and Supreme Court precedent, and that shows proper 
deference to the States.'' Another commenter noted that the two-year 
extension would provide sufficient time to ``carefully and thoroughly'' 
develop ``workable, legally defensible regulations.'' A commenter 
further noted that the extension would provide the time for both the 
agencies and the regulated community to devote their limited resources 
to engage in the second step of the rulemaking process to develop a new 
definition of ``waters of the United States.''
    Two commenters supported the idea of a delayed applicability date 
but noted that two years might not be sufficient to fully complete the 
``regulatory process for reconsidering the definition of `waters of the 
United States.' '' These two commenters recommended an applicability 
date delayed by three years. Another commenter also noted that two 
years would be insufficient and as a result recommended that the 
applicability date for the 2015 Rule be extended indefinitely.
    The agencies prepared a memorandum to the record for the proposed 
rule to provide the public with information about the activities 
envisioned in support of a comprehensive rulemaking process. The 
agencies selected the two-year time period as a reasonable time period 
within which to finalize a rule with a new definition of ``waters of 
the United States.'' Indeed, one commenter noted, ``The Memorandum for 
the Record details the tasks and timeline to develop a final rule and 
supporting documents, including critical stakeholder outreach. . . . 
The Proposal is narrowly tailored to this timeline.''
    Based on the information in the memorandum to the record, as 
explained in the proposal, and as supported by most comments responding 
to direct questions about the appropriate timeframe, the agencies 
conclude that the two-year timeframe is reasonable.
    Commenters also stated that the Administrator failed to undergo an 
ethics review in accordance with procedures set out in 5 CFR 2635.502 
(``the impartiality rules''). EPA clarifies that the impartiality 
regulations in the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the 
Executive Branch, 5 CFR part 2635, subpart E, set forth provisions to 
ensure that employees take appropriate steps to avoid a loss of 
impartiality in the performance of their official duties. To be clear, 
the regulation at 5 CFR 2635.502(a) applies primarily to particular 
matters involving specific parties. While the impartiality regulation 
may possibly apply to a broader category of particular matters, that 
occurs only in the most unusual circumstances. As set forth in a legal 
advisory from the Office of Government Ethics, ``the impartiality rule 
generally focuses on particular matters involving specific parties . . 
. [and] rulemaking would not, except in unusual circumstances covered 
under section 502(a)(2), raise an issue under section 502(a).'' See 
Office of Government Ethics Legal Advisory, DO-06-029, `` `Particular 
Matter Involving Specific Parties,' `Particular Matter,' and `Matter,' 
'' (Oct. 4, 2006), n. 10. With respect to the proposed rule, EPA notes 
that the impartiality rules do not apply at all because the proposed 
rulemaking is not even a ``particular matter'' within the meaning of 
the federal ethics rules. For purposes of the ethics rules, particular 
matters are focused on a discrete and identifiable class of persons 
such as a particular industry or profession, or involve specific 
parties, such as a contract or grant. In contrast, this rulemaking 
affects a large and diverse group of persons and applies across many 
sectors of the economy. While the rulemaking may be classified as a 
``matter,'' it is not a particular matter. Since this rulemaking does 
not fall within the definition of a particular matter, the impartiality 
rules do not apply.
    Commenters have stated that this rule is subject to the 
requirements of National Environmental Policy Act (``NEPA''). It is 
not; generally speaking, the Clean Water Act exempts actions of the EPA 
Administrator from NEPA obligations. 33 U.S.C. 1371(c)(1) (With two 
exceptions not relevant here, ``no action of the [EPA] Administrator 
taken pursuant to [the CWA] shall be deemed a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the 
meaning of [NEPA].''). As the Senate Conference Report advised: ``If 
the actions of the Administrator under [the CWA] were subject to the 
requirements of NEPA, administration of the Act would be greatly 
impeded.'' S. Conf. Rep. No. 92-1236, as reprinted in 1972 U.S.C.C.A.N. 
3776, 3827.
    The statutory exemption applies here despite the fact that EPA is 
promulgating this rule jointly with the Army. Nothing in the CWA's 
exemption from NEPA limits it to actions taken by EPA alone. See, e.g., 
Murray Energy Corp. v. U.S. Dep't of Def., 817 F.3d 261, 273 (6th Cir. 
2016) (``That the Clean Water Rule was promulgated jointly by the EPA 
Administrator and the Secretary of the Army does not defeat the fact 
that it represents action, in substantial part, of the 
Administrator.''); see also Municipality of Anchorage v. United States, 
980 F.2d 1320, 1328-29 (9th Cir. 1992) (holding that an action ``does 
not cease to be `action of the Administrator' merely because it was 
adopted and negotiated in conjunction with the Secretary of the Army 
and the Corps''). The Municipality court found that a Memorandum of 
Agreement between EPA and the Corps providing

[[Page 5207]]

guidance for administration of the section 404 permitting program was 
exempt from NEPA under section 1371(c). 980 F.2d at 1329. This rule 
adds an applicability date to a rule that concerns the jurisdictional 
scope of the entire Act, implicating the many CWA programs 
administrated only by EPA (EPA shares its CWA authority with the Army 
only with respect to section 404, 33 U.S.C. 1344). EPA has the ultimate 
authority to determine the scope of CWA jurisdiction, see 
Administrative Authority to Construe section 404 of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act, 43 Opp. Att'y Gen. 197 (1979), and the rule is 
an ``action of the Administrator.'' In re Dep't of Def., 817 F.3d at 
273.
    Many tribal commenters objected to EPA and the Army not consulting 
with Tribes pursuant to Executive Order 13175 on this rulemaking. 
Several Tribes commented that the trust relationship between Tribes and 
EPA obligates EPA to conduct meaningful government-to-government 
consultation with Tribes on EPA actions that will directly affect 
Tribes, and EPA did not do so for this proposed action. Some tribal 
commenters characterize ``meaningful government-to-government'' 
consultation as in-person meetings between federal and tribal 
government leaders, and not webinars or phone calls. Tribal commenters 
noted potential impacts of postponing the 2015 Rule's applicability 
date, including causing increased uncertainty for protections of 
culturally significant plants, animals, and waters.
    Because this current rule does not change the legal status quo that 
has been in effect for many years (but rather reinforces it), it has no 
tribal implications as described in Executive Order 13175, and the 
Executive Order does not apply to this final action. As noted 
elsewhere, the agencies have engaged in, and continue to engage in, 
consultation with Tribes on the consideration of substantive revisions 
to the ``waters of the United States'' definition.
    A few commenters stated that the agencies should have engaged in 
federalism consultation with the States pursuant to Executive Order 
13132. Because this rule merely reinforces the legal framework that has 
been in place under the statute for many years, this action does not 
have federalism implications. It will not have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. As noted 
elsewhere, the agencies have engaged in, and continue to engage in, 
consultation with States and local governments on consideration of 
substantive revisions to the ``waters of the United States'' 
definition.

IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review; and, 
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This action is a significant regulatory action under Executive 
Order 12866 so it was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
(``OMB'') for review. Any changes made in response to OMB review have 
been documented in the docket.
    In addition, the agencies prepared a memorandum to the record 
regarding analysis of the potential economic impacts associated with 
this action. The agencies have determined that there are no costs and 
unquantifiable benefits associated with this action. This action simply 
adds an applicability date to the 2015 Rule, which has been stayed 
nationwide, and the legal status quo continues to remain in place. A 
copy of the memorandum is available in the docket for this action.

B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs

    This action is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA'')

    This rule does not involve any information collection activities 
subject to the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (``RFA'')

    We certify that this action will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. In 
making this determination, the impact of concern is any significant 
adverse economic impact on small entities. An agency may certify that a 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities if the rule relieves regulatory burden, has no 
net burden or otherwise has a positive economic effect on the small 
entities subject to the rule. This action simply adds an applicability 
date to the 2015 Rule, which has been the subject of a nationwide stay, 
keeping the legal status quo in place. We have therefore concluded that 
this action will not have a significant impact on small entities. This 
analysis is contained in a memorandum to the record, which is available 
in the docket for this action.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (``UMRA'')

    This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or 
more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The action imposes 
no enforceable duty on any State, local or tribal governments or the 
private sector. The definition of ``waters of the United States'' 
applies broadly to all CWA programs.

F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications, as this action 
is limited to adding an applicability date to the 2015 Rule. It 
therefore will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on 
the relationship between the national government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government. This action simply adds an applicability date to the 
2015 Rule, which has been stayed nationwide, and the legal status quo 
continues to remain in place. Thus, Executive Order 13132 does not 
apply to this action.

G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    This action does not have Tribal implications, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175. This action simply adds an applicability date to 
the 2015 Rule, which has been stayed nationwide, and the legal status 
quo continues to remain in place. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not 
apply to this action.

H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    The agencies interpret Executive Order 13045 as applying only to 
those regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety 
risks that the agencies have reason to believe may disproportionately 
affect children, per the definition of ``covered regulatory action'' in 
section 2-202 of the Executive Order. This action is not subject to 
Executive Order 13045 because it does not concern an environmental 
health risk or safety risk.

I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not a ``significant energy action'' because it is 
not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution or use of energy. This action simply adds an applicability 
date to the 2015 Rule, which has been

[[Page 5208]]

stayed nationwide, and the legal status quo continues to remain in 
place.

J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (``NTTAA'')

    This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.

K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    The agencies believe that this action is not subject to Executive 
Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) because it does not 
establish an environmental health or safety standard. This action 
simply adds an applicability date to the 2015 Rule, which has been 
stayed nationwide, and the legal status quo continues to remain in 
place. The agencies will consider the impact on minority and low-income 
populations consistent with this Executive Order in the context of 
possible substantive changes as part of any reconsideration of the 2015 
Rule.

L. Congressional Review Act (``CRA'')

    This action is subject to the CRA, and the EPA will submit a rule 
report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of 
the United States. OMB has concluded that it is not a ``major rule'' as 
defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 328

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Intergovernmental relations, Navigation, Water pollution control, 
Waterways.

40 CFR Parts 110, 112, 116, 117, 122, 230, 232, 300, 302, and 401

    Environmental protection, Water pollution control.

    Dated: January 31, 2018.
E. Scott Pruitt,
Administrator. Environmental Protection Agency.

    Dated: January 30, 2018.
Ryan A. Fisher,
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works).

Title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, title 33, chapter II of 
the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 328--DEFINITION OF WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 328 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
2. Section 328.3 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:

Sec.  328.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (e) Applicability date. Paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section 
are applicable beginning on February 6, 2020.

Title 40--Protection of Environment

    For reasons set out in the preamble, title 40, chapter I of the 
Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 110--DISCHARGE OF OIL

0
3. The authority citation for part 110 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(3) and 
(b)(4) and 1361(a); E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR parts 1971-1975 
Comp., p. 793.

0
4. Section 110.1 is amended by adding paragraph (4) to the definition 
of ``Navigable waters'' to read as follows:

Sec.  110.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Navigable waters * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning on 
February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

PART 112--OIL POLLUTION PREVENTION

0
5. The authority citation for part 112 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
6. Section 112.2 is amended by adding paragraph (4) to the definition 
of ``Navigable waters'' to read as follows:

Sec.  112.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Navigable waters * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning on 
February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

PART 116--DESIGNATION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

0
7. The authority citation for part 116 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
8. Section 116.3 is amended by adding paragraph (4) to the definition 
of ``Navigable waters'' to read as follows:

Sec.  116.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Navigable waters * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning on 
February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

PART 117--DETERMINATION OF REPORTABLE QUANTITIES FOR HAZARDOUS 
SUBSTANCES

0
9. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., and Executive Order 11735, 
superseded by Executive Order 12777, 56 FR 54757.

0
10. Section 117.1 is amended by adding paragraph (i)(4) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  117.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This paragraph (i) is applicable beginning 
on February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

PART 122--EPA ADMINISTERED PERMIT PROGRAMS: THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT 
DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM

0
11. The authority citation for part 122 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: The Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
12. Section 122.2 is amended by adding paragraph (4) to the definition 
of ``Waters of the United States'' read as follows:

Sec.  122.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Navigable waters * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning on 
February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

PART 230--SECTION 404(b)(1) GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFICATION OF 
DISPOSAL SITES FOR DREDGED OR FILL MATERIAL

0
13. The authority citation for part 230 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
14. Section 230.3 is amended by adding paragraph (o)(4) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  230.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (o) * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This paragraph (o) is applicable beginning 
on February 6, 2020.

[[Page 5209]]

PART 232--404 PROGRAM DEFINITIONS; EXEMPT ACTIVITIES NOT REQUIRING 
404 PERMITS

0
15. The authority citation for part 232 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
16. Section 232.2 is amended by adding paragraph (4) to the definition 
of ``Waters of the United States'' to read as follows:

Sec.  232.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Waters of the United States * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning on 
February 6, 2020.

PART 300--NATIONAL OIL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES POLLUTION 
CONTINGENCY PLAN

0
17. The authority citation for part 300 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(d); 42 U.S.C. 9601-9657; E.O. 13626, 
77 FR 56749, 3 CFR, 2013 Comp., p. 306; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 
CFR, 1991 Comp., p.351; E.O. 12580, 52 FR 2923, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., 
p. 193.

0
18. Section 300.5 is amended by adding paragraph (4) to the definition 
of ``Navigable waters'' to read as follows:

Sec.  300.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Navigable waters * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning on 
February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

0
19. In appendix E to part 300, section 1.5 Definitions is amended by 
adding paragraph (4) to the definition of ``Navigable waters'' to read 
as follows:

Appendix E to Part 300--Oil Spill Response

* * * * *
    Navigable waters * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning 
on February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

PART 302--DESIGNATION, REPORTABLE QUANTITIES, AND NOTIFICATION

0
20. The authority citation for part 302 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
21. Section 302.3 is amended by adding paragraph (4) to the definition 
of ``Navigable waters'' to read as follows:

Sec.  302.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Navigable waters * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This definition is applicable beginning on 
February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

PART 401--GENERAL PROVISIONS

0
22. The authority citation for part 401 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

0
23. Section 401.11 is amended by adding paragraph (1)(4) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  401.11  General definitions.

* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (4) Applicability date. This paragraph (l) is applicable beginning 
on February 6, 2020.
* * * * *

[FR Doc. 2018-02429 Filed 2-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P