BISMARCK – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army will hold two public meeting sessions in Bismarck on Friday, Dec. 12, to hear comments from the public on the agencies’ proposed rule to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, will host the session, the first sessions on WOTUS held nationally.

This public meeting is being offered virtually and in person at Bavendick Stateroom at Bismarck State College. To enter the facility, bring a valid ID issued by the federal government or a state (e.g., driver’s license). Those planning to attend are encouraged to pre-register online at the U.S. EPA website and also register to watch the livestream of the meeting. The livestream also will be available at Cramer’s YouTube page.

The first session will be from 9:30-11 a.m. with Cramer; Gov. Kelly Armstrong; U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND; Jess Kramer, U.S. EPA assistant administrator; and Lee Forsgren, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army (Civil Works).

The second session will be from 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. with Wes Brooks, U.S. EPA deputy assistant administrator for Water; and Forsgren.

On Nov. 17, the agencies announced a proposed rule revising the definition of WOTUS to follow the clear direction of the Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA while eliminating red tape, cutting permitting costs and lowering the cost of doing business in communities across the country. The agencies based the proposal on public input gathered during nine pre-proposal listening sessions, and now EPA and Army will engage further with the public during the formal rulemaking process.

“North Dakotans know the impacts of a good WOTUS rule better than anyone,” Cramer, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, said. “This listening session is a great opportunity for North Dakotans to help craft the final rule and bring their feedback directly to EPA and Army Corps officials. I encourage North Dakotans to make their voices heard at the listening session and by submitting public comments throughout the rulemaking process.”