Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers November 16, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking public input on its plan to retrospectively review its Regulations implementing the USACE Regulatory Program at 33 CFR parts 320-332 and 334. Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' (E.O.), issued on January 18, 2011, directs Federal agencies to review existing significant regulations and identify those that can be made more effective or less burdensome in achieving regulatory objectives. The Regulations are essential for implementation of the Regulatory mission; thus, USACE believes they are a significant rule warranting review pursuant to E.O. 13563. The E.O. further directs each agency to periodically review its existing significant regulations to determine whether any such regulations should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed so as to make the agency's regulatory program more effective or less burdensome in achieving the regulatory objectives. Section 404(e) of the Clean Water Act authorizes USACE to development general permits, including nationwide permits (NWPs), for minor activities in waters of the U.S. for a period of five years. Accordingly, every five years, USACE undergoes a reauthorization process for the NWP program and includes public notice and provides an opportunity for public hearing. Comments for the NWP program are submitted during the reauthorization process. Therefore, USACE is currently complying with the E.O. 13563 direction to periodically review its existing significant regulations. Other regulations will be reviewed on an as-needed basis in accordance with new laws, court cases, etc.