New Path on Water Quality Rule

New Path on Water Quality Rule. I’m Greg Martin with Washington Ag Today.

Yesterday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced he’s directing the state Department of Ecology to draft a new clean water rule that will preserve the state’s decision-making control over how to meet federal requirements.

INSLEE: On July 31st of this year I directed the Department of Ecology to reconsider its draft water quality rule and to evaluate other options that were likely to win the federal Environmental Protection Agencies approval. Last month the EPA released its own draft rule as you know and is prepared to adopt a final clean water standards if the State of Washington does not act.

The governor said there were two choices with one being letting EPA continue with its own rule.

INSLEE: Or, we could move forward with a new state rule, one that is protective of people and fish; one that is reasonable and works with our growing economy and one that could also win EPA approval. Considering this choice two issues were critical to me. First, maintaining state control and second, doing what works for the State of Washington.

He says his goal is to update Washington’s clean water rule with one that assures the health of Washington’s people, fish and economy.

INSLEE: It’s going to ensure that local governments and businesses are provided needed flexibility to be able to comply with these strict standards.

And that’s Washington Ag Today. I’m Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.