Document B567dzMe5rEmKOyZxnxw8QmMm

Message From: Sent: To: Subject: Bennett, Tate [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECI PI ENTS/CN=1FA92542F7CA4D01973B18B2F11B9141-BEN NETT, EL] 7/7/2017 1:07:45 PM apiper@ ruleoflawdefensefund.org Fwd: WOTUS- Do not fo rw a rd , please. Begin forwarded message: From: "Bennett, Tate" <8ennett.Tate@epa.gov> Date: July 5, 2017 at 6:20:02 PM EDT To: "Walker, Trey" <TWalker@governor.sc.gov> Subject: Re: WOTUS- Do not forward, please. FYI Sen. Scott is currently holding the date as well. 7/24 WOTUS Tour Rollout, outside Charleston, S.C. 10:00 AM- Gather at Super Sod ( outside Charleston). 10:054.! AM- Farm Tour for electeds 11 AM-11:45- Roundtable discussion on WOTUS, inside shop 11:45- 12:00- Local radio/press gaggle (per Jahan's guidance) Invitees- Governor McMaster, AG Wilson, Sen. Scott, Rep. Gowdy, Nikki Hayley, Local Ag Leaders, SC Farm Bureau, Representatives from SC Homebuilders. On Jul 5, 2017, at 6:13 PM, Walker, Trey <TWalker@governor.sc.gov> wrote: Tate, W e're getting calls about a July 24th event in South Carolina w ith Adm inistrator Pruitt and other state elected officials on WOTUS. i recall you mentioning to me a few weeks ago the potential for a July visit, but we haven't seen any request for the governor's participation or any scheduling details. Are these the same events? Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 3/4 ED 002061 00077914-00001 Trey Walker ChiefofStaff Office of the Governor South Carolina Statehouse Columbia, SC 29201 .......Ex. 6....... i__________________________________1 tTM jM r#goyeiD O LSC .gov From: Bennett, Tate [m aiito:Bennett.Tate@epa.govl Sent: Monday, June 26, 2017 4:39 PM To: Bennett, Tate <Bennetf.Tate@ep3.gov> Cc: Cory, Preston (Katherine) <Cory.Preston@epa.gov> Subject: WOTUS- Do not forward, please. All- Administrator Pruitt could potentially sign a Federal Register notice as early as tomorrow afternoon proposing a rule to repeal the 2015 WOTUS final rule. Knowing of the importance of this issue to your state/office, we just wanted to flag now so your teams can plan any releases/statements accordingly. We will circle back with an update tomorrow. Below are a few notes on the FR notice, and please let us know if you have any questions in the meantime. Best. Tate Bennett Elizabeth Tate Bennett Senior Deputy Associate Administrator Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Office of the Administrator U S. Environmental Protection Agency --The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Army, and Army Corps of Engineers (the agencies) are proposing a rule to repeal the Clean Water Rule and re codify the regulatory text that existed prior to 2015 defining "waters of the United States." --This action would provide regulatory continuity and certainty in the interim pending a second rulemaking in which the agencies will engage in a substantive re-evaluation of the definition of "waters of the United States." --The proposed rule would be implemented in accordance with Supreme Court decisions, agency guidance, and longstanding practice. Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 3/4 ED 002061 00077914-00002 --This proposed rule follows the February 28, 2017, Presidential Executive Order on "Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the `Waters of the United States' Rule." --The February Order states that it is in the national interest to ensure that the Nation's navigable waters are kept free from pollution, while at the same time promoting economic growth, minimizing regulatory uncertainty, and showing due regard for the roles of Congress and the States under the Constitution. To meet these objectives, the agencies intend to follow an expeditious, two-step process that will provide certainty across the country. --The proposed rule would recodify the identical regulatory text that was in place prior to the 2015 Clean Water Rule and that is currently in place as a result of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit's stay of the 2015 rule. Therefore, this action, when final, will not change current practice with respect to how the definition applies. --The agencies have also begun deliberations and outreach on the second step rulemaking involving a re-evaluation and revision of the definition of "waters of the United States" in accordance with the Executive Order. Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 3/4 ED 002061 00077914-00003