Senate Hearing on Environmental Rules and Small Business Impacts
January 1, 2017
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
The Frame
The hearing addresses the potential regulatory and compliance costs for small businesses resulting from the EPA's proposed expansion of federal jurisdiction over water bodies under the Clean Water Act.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Small business owners
They are subject to potential new compliance requirements and costs if the proposed rule changes the definition of regulated waters.
Environmental Protection Agency
The agency is responsible for drafting and finalizing the rule and defending its regulatory impact analysis.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2017.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on May 19, 2015, before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- The subject was the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' proposed rule to redefine 'waters of the United States'.
- Chairman Vitter alleged that the EPA and the Corps circumvented regulatory processes intended to protect small businesses.
- The EPA and the Corps publicly stated the proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on small entities.
- Witnesses included representatives from the Small Business Administration, the National Federation of Independent Business, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, and private business owners.
- The committee reviewed evidence regarding the adequacy of the agencies' small entity outreach meetings held in 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'waters of the United States' rule?
Why were small business owners concerned about this rule?
Why It Matters
The hearing addresses the potential regulatory and compliance costs for small businesses resulting from the EPA's proposed expansion of federal jurisdiction over water bodies under the Clean Water Act.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Regulatory Process Dispute
The hearing reveals a significant tension between federal agencies and the Small Business Administration regarding the adequacy of outreach to small entities during the rulemaking process.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy65Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment20Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools