WASHINGTON, D.C. - Statement from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and National Apartment Association (NAA) in response to the Obama Administration announcement of the “Waters of the U.S.” final rule:
“The
multifamily industry is concerned about the future impact of the Obama
Administration’s controversial ‘Waters of the U.S.’ final rule announced yesterday.
We support a strong Clean Water Act to protect the quality of the nation’s
valuable water resources. Access to clean water is essential for healthy
communities and a strong economy.
“However, the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have
failed to fully assess the financial impact of the rule on the economy,
including housing affordability.
“As part of a coalition of real estate groups, we
have argued against including ditches, and other conveyances that are federally
regulated parts of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, as ‘Waters of the
U.S.’ We have also expressed concern
that certain green stormwater retention features, like rain gardens, could
become subject to federal jurisdiction, creating significant financial and
permitting burdens.
“The agencies have stated that the final rule does not change how these
sewer systems will be treated and encourages the use of green infrastructure.
However, we want to conduct a thorough analysis of the rule to determine
whether the concerns of the multifamily industry have been fully addressed.
“This
rulemaking is the culmination of efforts to clarify the scope of waters subject
to federal jurisdiction. Our industry has been among those that have
regularly raised serious concerns about the flawed rulemaking and called upon
the agencies to withdraw the proposed rule.”
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