Two Water-Related EPA Rules Submitted to OMB

Two EPA rules with drinking water impacts are closer to completing their development process through submittal to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  Moving to the OMB review phase this week were the final fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4) and an interim final rule to implement the Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (WIFIA).   By making WIFA an interim final rule, the proposed rule stage is skipped (although comments can still be taken) and implementation can begin earlier.  OMB already has a rule on WIFA fees under review.  OMB must review and approve rule actions by federal agencies before they are ready for publication in the Federal Register.  OMB may also return the rules to the agencies with comments and request revisions.  OMB officially has 90 days to review and act on the rules.  It can take less, and in the case of particularly complex or controversial rules, can take much longer.  ASDWA will alert states when these rules are finally published in the Federal Register and develop Association comments as needed.