EPA held a federalism consultation January 8 to discuss the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) revisions. Executive Order, EO 13132, requires the federal government consult with state and local officials, or the national organizations that represent them, when developing regulations and/or policy that would impose significant compliance costs on either local or state governments.
EPA invited AMWA and 17 other groups to discuss the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) revisions, including a presentation outlining key challenges and questions for the invitees to consider and discuss. Topics included lead service line replacement, corrosion control treatments, public education, tap sampling and copper.
Among the other invitees are representatives of state and local elected officials, regulators and water utilities including the National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, Environmental Council of the States, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, and the American Water Works Association. The groups now have 60 days to provide formal comments.
EPA had updated the tentative timeline for the LCR revisions, with the draft to be released in August 2018 and the final rule in February 2020. However, at the consultation EPA did not give any guarantees on a timeline for a proposal.
AMWA will hold a Regulatory Committee call on February 13 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET to discuss its response. All members are welcome. If you would like to participate in the call, contact Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Manager Stephanie Hayes Schlea.