Inslee to announce new approach to updating water quality

SEATTLE – Facing pressure from federal regulators, Gov. Jay Inslee is taking another stab at updating clean-water rules partly tied to how much fish people eat.

Inslee is set to announce his new approach in Seattle Thursday.

In July, Inslee scrapped draft rules after failing to get legislation he wanted. The rules address how clean the state’s waters should be and set limits on the pollutants that can be released into waterways.

Last month, the federal government stepped in to write those rules for Washington. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prefers the state do its own but Washington must submit a plan before the federal agency finishes its process.

Tribes and environmental groups have argued for tougher rules to reduce water pollution and protect public health, while businesses and others say it could cost billions with little or no benefit to the environment.