OABA Submits Comments Regarding Science Advisory Board's Review of EPA's Water Connectivity Report

By Chris Henney, OABA President & CEO

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association recently submitted comments to Amanda Rodewald, chairwoman of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board Panel, which is reviewing the EPA's water connectivity report. The report will be used as a scientific basis for revising the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.

OABA President and CEO Chris Henney wrote OABA's members are concerned the EPA is pushing the rule through before allowing the advisory panel to review the underlying science. The rule has already been drafted and sent to the Office of Management and Budget for inter-agency review.

“The decision to develop a rule based on a scientific report that has not undergone external scientific peer review raises questions about the legitimacy of the rulemaking process,” Henney wrote. “How can the public have any confidence that these proposed regulatory changes are based on sound science.”

One of OABA's main concerns is that the synthesis report is scientifically and technically flawed. OABA made several recommendations for changes in the report and urged the science advisory board to expand its review.

OABA will keep members up-to-date on this important issue.Click here to see OABA's comments.