New regs for Monday: Water, fish, trucks

Monday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for clean water, endangered fish and truck drivers.

Here’s what is happening:

Water: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is backing down from a controversial Obama-era clean water rule.

{mosads}The EPA, along with the Army Corps of Engineers, expanded the definition of a “water of the United States” that fell under its regulatory jurisdiction in June 2015, but Trump last month ordered the agencies to “review and rescind or revise” the rule.

The changes posted in the Federal Register formalize Trump’s order.

“The question of what is a ‘water of the United States’ is one that has generated substantial interest and uncertainty, especially among states, small businesses, the agricultural communities, and environmental organizations, because it relates to the extent of jurisdiction for federal and relevant state regulations,” the agencies wrote.

The decision goes into effect immediately.

Endangered: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing new protections for certain fish.

The FWS on Friday issued a draft recovery plan to protect the yellowcheek darter, which is currently listed as an endangered species.

“The draft recovery plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria that must be met in order for us to reclassify this species to threatened status and ultimately delist it under the Endangered Species Act,” the agency wrote.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Trucks: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will allow certain truck drivers with hearing disabilities to hit the road.

The FMCSA announced Friday it is renewing the exemptions for five truck drivers from rules that would otherwise prohibit them from operating a commercial motor vehicle between states. The agency says these truckers have a safe driving record and are not a danger on the roads.

The public has 30 days to comment.