NAR Comments on Concern for Final WOTUS Rule

National Association of Realtors® President Kenny Parcell issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ final Waters of the United States (“WOTUS”) rule:

“We are very concerned about the recently announced WOTUS rule. The Environmental Protection Agency’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ final rule does not provide the clarity and certainty essential for predictable and efficient permitting as we had hoped. In turn, the rule offers vague terms and unclear definitions that will make it exceedingly difficult for anyone or business who develops property to comply with the Clean Water Act’s requirements.

“NAR members work to protect and steward water resources, and a clear, efficient definition of WOTUS would support this effort. Regrettably, EPA’s new water rule not only makes these efforts more difficult, but it also puts sorely needed infrastructure projects at risk and threatens to make housing even more expensive for America’s families.”

The Environmental Protection Agency’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ final Waters of the United States (“WOTUS”) rule was announced on December 30, 2022. The rule will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Contact:

Tori Syrek – Manager, Advocacy Media – tsyrek@nar.realtor

Source: National Association of Realtors