EDF Supports Release of USACE Proposed Rule

Washington, D.C. - This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) took an important step towards modernizing their approach to the nation’s investments in water resource projects and programs. USACE published a proposed rule in the Federal Register, which if implemented, would revise the Agency Specific Procedures (ASPs) for the USACE’s implementation of the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines (PR&G) for water resources investments. The proposed rule would act as implementation guidance and provide a decision-making framework to govern how USACE evaluates proposed water resource investments to maximize economic, environmental, and social benefits. 

“EDF has been advocating for the release of this proposed rule for many years to ensure water resources projects and programs reflect national priorities, encourage economic development, and protect the environment.  

“Implementation of this rule will result in a more holistic approach to maximizing public benefits in USACE water resources projects by more effectively accounting for the true social and environmental costs and benefits to support both environmental justice and ecosystem services, while emphasizing the consideration and use of nonstructural and nature-based solutions and community input.   

“The public comment period on this proposed rule will be open for the next 60 days. We encourage stakeholders to submit comments to ensure that these guidelines direct public investments toward efforts that avoid unwise use of floodplains, protect, and restore the functions of natural systems, mitigate any unavoidable damages to natural systems, and otherwise promote sustainable economic development.” 

- Emily Steinhilber, Director, Coasts & Watersheds, Environmental Defense Fund