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AWWA Statement on Petition Challenging EPA Cybersecurity Rule

April 18, 2023

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AWWA Statement on Petition Challenging EPA Cybersecurity Rule

On April 17, the states of Missouri, Arkansas and Iowa filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) March 3, 2023, cybersecurity rule. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) issued the following statement:

AWWA agrees with the April 17 petition filed by the states of Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas that points out EPA’s proposed cybersecurity approach is not only unwise, but legally flawed. AWWA intends to ask for the court’s permission to participate in this case in order to support our members’ interests and share our experience and knowledge.

AWWA strongly supports efforts to strengthen cybersecurity in the water sector. In fact, AWWA is advocating for a regulatory model, similar to that of the energy sector, with oversight from EPA. The Sanitary Survey Program, however, is not the right tool for the job. Many state primacy agencies lack both the resources and technical expertise to evaluate and address cybersecurity issues. Further, state laws do not protect sensitive information collected through sanitary surveys, and if publicly shared, that information could expose water system vulnerabilities.

We look forward to working collaboratively with EPA and others to arrive at the right solution to address cybersecurity risks in the water sector.

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.

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