News Releases from Headquarters

PHOTOS: Pruitt Stops in Arkansas for State Action Tour

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – (July 20, 2017) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt continued his state action tour in Arkansas today. Administrator Pruitt met with Governor Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, and representatives from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to discuss restoring cooperative federalism by re-visiting the 2015 “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule. He also announced EPA’s approval of Arkansas’ 303(d) water quality standards that list impaired waters for the state of Arkansas, dating back to 2010. EPA is clearing the backlog that existed for the years 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

“Under the Trump Administration, EPA is focused on partnering with states to achieve the best environmental outcomes,” said EPA Administrator Pruitt. “I am proud to announce that EPA is now approving the 303(d) list that recognizes Arkansas’s water quality improvements made under Governor Hutchinson’s leadership.”

“I appreciate Administrator Pruitt and the administration for the work they're doing with the states and for listening to governors about how regulations affect our citizens,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “His decision to begin the process to rescind this burdensome and overreaching rule, enacted under the Obama Administration, is welcome news and shows a return to cooperative federalism with the states. In addition, I am pleased with EPA's approval of Arkansas's 303(d) list. Arkansas supports clean water and has taken great strides to protect and enhance our natural environment. The clear and efficient regulations from EPA under Administrator Pruitt-as well as the agency's focus on a more balanced partnership with the states-is good news for Arkansans.”

“I am proud to welcome EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to the Natural State,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Administrator Pruitt's decision last month to completely re-evaluate the WOTUS rule, minimizing the regulatory burden on countless landowners, demonstrates his commitment to building stronger relationships with state partners. Preserving and protecting our clean air and clean water through a cooperative, lawful and thoughtful process based on science and data is a priority for Arkansas.”

As a result of Arkansas’s efforts, 76 percent of water bodies impaired in 2008 are no longer showing impairments and a total of 335 waters are now meeting Arkansas Water Quality Standards.

Administrator Pruitt also held a breakfast roundtable this morning hosted by The Poultry Federation where he discussed EPA’s decision to re-evaluate the 2015 WOTUS Rule. All segments of Arkansas' agriculture were represented.

“Agriculture is Arkansas' largest industry adding $16 billion to the state's economy each year," said Marvin Childers, President of The Poultry Federation. “We are pleased to have Administrator Pruitt is Arkansas and we look forward to the changes he discussed.”