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TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2001

In response to a lawsuit filed by various industry interests, the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday asked a federal court to give the government more time to investigate how to clean up about 21,000 lakes, rivers, and streams.

Court papers ask for an 18-month delay so the EPA can continue to study a set of rules drafted by the Clinton administration. The rules require more efforts to reduce agricutural waste and are being opposed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the fertilizer industry, utilities and big businesses.

The opposition led Congress last year to put the regulations on hold and direct the National Academy of Sciences to assess the cleanup program. In a report issued last month, the group agreed pollution was a major problem but suggested more well-defined standards.

In a statement yesterday, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said the delay will help the government address standards and work with affected parties.

Get the Story:
EPA Seeks Clean Water Rule Delay (The Washington Post 7/17)
Whitman Pledges To Improve Impaired Waters Rule (AP 7/16)
Administration to revisit water pollution program (AP 7/16)