Withdrawal of Tribal Baseline Water Quality Standards Rule

Jan 10, 2025 | Comment and Consultation, Home

On December 20, EPA withdrew the proposed rule, “Federal Baseline Water Quality Standards for Indian Reservations.” The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register and was undergoing review by the Office of Management and Budget. EPA is instead focusing its resources on engaging with Tribes to support their efforts to seek authority to administer their own water quality standards (WQS) programs under the Clean Water Act’s provision for an eligible Tribe to be treated in a similar manner as a state (TAS). EPA will continue to work closely with, and offer support to, Tribes that are interested in pursuing TAS to administer a WQS program and developing their own WQS under the Clean Water Act. If you have questions or would like to discuss TAS and WQS-related topics, contact Rachel Renkins, Water Quality Standards Coordinator, at Renkens.Rachael@epa.gov.