EPAFinal Rule

Recognition Awards Under the Clean Water Act; Direct Final Rule [W-01-01-I-A-1]

Environment

Summary

The EPA created a program to recognize and award organizations, businesses, and individuals that do an outstanding job protecting water quality under the Clean Water Act. These recognition awards celebrate environmental leadership and encourage others to adopt similar pollution-prevention practices.

Key Points

  • 1The EPA will give official recognition awards to companies, nonprofits, and individuals who excel at protecting America's rivers, lakes, and streams
  • 2Award winners might include water treatment facilities, industries, farmers, or community groups that go above and beyond federal requirements to reduce water pollution
  • 3This is a voluntary program meant to highlight and celebrate environmental success stories across the country
  • 4Winners receive official EPA recognition, which can boost their reputation and show customers and regulators their commitment to environmental stewardship
  • 5The program encourages other organizations to improve their water protection practices by showing what excellence looks like

Impact Assessment

If you are a manufacturer or business, this means you can voluntarily participate in a recognition program that celebrates your water protection efforts without imposing new compliance obligations.

Impact Level
Routine
Geographic Scope

National

Compliance Cost

None

Who is Affected
ManufacturersSmall BusinessesState Governments

Key Dates

Published

March 18, 2025

Regulatory Connections

Amends CFR Sections
40 CFR Part 403
Other Documents in This Rulemaking (EPA-HQ-OW-2002-0009)

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.