Trump's EPA Extends Water Quality Standards Data Collection—A Surprising Move?

In an unexpected move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Donald Trump has extended an Information Collection Request (ICR) for Water Quality Standards (WQS), a fundamental regulation under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This decision contrasts sharply with the administration’s history of rolling back environmental regulations and prioritizing industry-friendly policies.

EPA's Request for Extension

The EPA has submitted its ICR (EPA ICR Number 0988.17, OMB Control Number 2040-0049) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This extension would allow for continued data collection from states, Tribes, and territories on designated water uses, water quality criteria, and antidegradation requirements.

The current approval for this data collection was set to expire on February 28, 2025, and the EPA is now seeking an extension. A previous 60-day public comment period was held in mid-2024, and the agency is now allowing an additional 30 days for comments, with a final submission deadline of March 31, 2025.

Why This Decision Is Surprising

The Trump administration has consistently prioritized deregulation, including efforts to roll back water protections. Notable actions include:

• Withdrawing proposed limits on PFAS ('forever chemicals') in industrial water discharges, a major setback for water safety initiatives.
• Reversing energy-efficiency standards for appliances and light bulbs, which had been part of a broader push to reduce energy consumption 
• Appointing former industry lobbyists and attorneys to key EPA positions, raising concerns about regulatory oversight 

Given these trends, extending a regulation that underpins federal water quality enforcement appears inconsistent with the administration’s broader environmental strategy.

Implications of the ICR Renewal

The extension of the ICR would allow the EPA to continue collecting essential data that:

• Supports Clean Water Act enforcement by assessing compliance with water quality standards.
• Provides states and Tribes with updated regulatory guidance on maintaining and improving water resources.
• Helps determine necessary pollution controls beyond technology-based treatment levels.

However, the move raises questions about the administration’s long-term environmental priorities. Is this an isolated decision, or does it signal a shift in policy direction? Critics argue that maintaining data collection while simultaneously weakening other water protections creates regulatory contradictions.

Public Participation and Next Steps

The public can submit comments on the ICR extension until March 31, 2025, through the following methods:

• Online: www.regulations.gov (Docket ID EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0465)
• Email: ow-docket@epa.gov
• Mail: EPA Docket Center, Washington, DC

Additionally, the public can track updates and submit feedback on regulatory changes via www.reginfo.gov, under the section "Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments."