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Council asks EPA to reconsider proposed water-quality offsets, changes 'oppose' to 'question' in city comment
Summary
Faced with impending federal deadlines, the council amended a motion to replace 'oppose' with 'question' regarding EPA water-quality offset requirements and approved a broader set of comments asking for public review and consideration of urban impacts.
The Los Angeles City Council voted to submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that question — rather than flatly oppose — proposed water-quality offset requirements, and to urge a public process and evaluation of potential urban impacts.
Councilmember Henry Wax had asked that offset provisions be questioned rather than opposed. After debate about potential unintended consequences — including incentives for sprawl and administrative burdens for offsets — the council amended the motion. The roll calls recorded a 14-0 vote to make the wording change from “oppose” to “question” and, on the final motion as amended, a 13-1 vote in favor of sending the city’s comments to EPA.
Councilmembers noted time sensitivity: comments on the EPA proposal were due quickly. Concerns raised included whether offset requirements would force development to suburban areas and whether the scientific and permitting infrastructure exists to document and administer offsets.
Supporters said the city seeks to require best available technology for new developments and reasonable progress for existing facilities, and asked for a full public process and evaluation. The council directed city staff to consolidate departmental input and file the city’s comments before the deadline.
