GCSAA recently submitted official comments on behalf of golf to the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers supporting the agencies' decision to repeal the expansive 2015 Clean Water Rule (WOTUS rule) introduced by the previous administration and replace it with one more limited in scope. The 2015 Clean Water Rule would have harmed the $69-billion-a-year golf industry by bringing nearly every river, stream, creek, wetland, pond, ditch and ephemeral in the U.S. under the federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. The comments support a return to cooperative federalism, which is at the heart of the Clean Water Act. The industry supports the proper balance between federal and state protection of surface waters. In addition to GCSAA, the following golf associations signed onto the formal comments: National Golf Course Owners Association, Club Managers Association of America, American Society of Golf Course Architects, Golf Course Builders Association of America, and National Club Association.

GCSAA also completed a successful petition drive, collecting signatures from more than 400 golf course superintendents and golf allies across the country. Thanks to everyone who signed and supported these efforts.

The process now moves to Phase 2, during which the EPA and Corps will draft a replacement rule that seeks to define in a more specific and limited fashion which "waters of the United States" will fall under federal jurisdiction and which are left to the states to regulate. The golf industry, along with coalition partners, will once again provide input and educate EPA staff on how surface water is currently being protected on golf facilities through the use of best management practices.

GCSAA is seeking as much participation and feedback as possible from members and welcomes your comments. Changes in regulatory policy can affect construction, renovation, management and permitting on golf properties, so remaining vigilant to current proposals is vital. Now is the time to make your voice heard, so please contact the GCSAA government affairs team with questions, comments or suggestions