waterways

**The “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico is bigger than ever. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says hypoxia, which is a reduced oxygen level in the water which can kill marine life or force it to move to other areas, is estimated at 8,776 square miles, 7 % larger than June...

SEATTLE (AP) — A trial set for next month will weigh whether coal dust that spills into waterways from passing BNSF coal trains violates environmental law. Seven environmental groups sued BNSF Railway in 2013, arguing the railroad violated federal law by releasing coal pollutants into waters without a permit...

The House Agriculture Committee approved the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2015 last week - which would clarify Congressional intent regarding pesticide regulation in or near waters of the United States. House Ag Chair Mike Conaway says costly and duplicative regulations permitting requirements on farmers weaken the economy in Rural America...

The Waterways Council Inc. and more than 40 other organizations and businesses sent letters to the House and Senate Appropriations leaders stressing the importance of maintaining U.S. navigation channels and inland waterways for safe and efficient freight movement to avoid similar impacts like the West Coast port dispute...