Washington, D.C. – Today, Alaska Congressman Don Young shared a statement following the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to block implementation of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, a massive expansion of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act by the President’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“We’ll fight this regulation in Congress and we’ll fight it in court. This rule cannot stand.” said Congressman Young. “It’s a reoccurring theme with this Administration – skirt the rules and the Constitution. While not a nail in the coffin for this egregious regulatory power grab, today’s circuit court injunction is an important step in our continued fight.”
“For Alaskans, the WOTUS rule could create insurmountable hurdles for even the most basic activity, and cause significant damage to our local economies,” Young said. “With more than three million lakes, twelve thousand rivers, and thousands of streams, creeks and ponds, we must ensure that the integrity of the federal-state partnership under the Clean Water Act is preserved.”
On May 12, 2015 the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which overturns the EPA’s ill-conceived rule. Under the rule, the federal governments’ jurisdiction is dramatically expanded over states through the enforcement of:
- illegal discharges
- permitting and reporting requirements
- the Environmental Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, Historic Preservation Act, 401 water quality certifications, and Corps of Engineers 404 permitting
- mitigation projects
H.R. 1732, The Regulatory Integrity Protection Act would require:
- the EPA and the Corps to withdraw its rulemaking in 30 days;
- the EPA and Corps to solicit recommendations from and consult with state and local officials, stakeholders, and other interested parties when developing a new proposed rule;
- the EPA and Corps to maintain the federal-state partnership when implementing the Clean Water Act, and take into consideration state and local input regarding geography, hydrology, and legal frameworks;
- a new proposed rule to be consistent with the Clean Water Act, Supreme Court rulings, and recommendations from state and local officials, and stakeholders.
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