The Swamp Stomp

Volume 16, Issue 3

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on January 13 to overturn the Waters of the United States Rule on the Clean Water Act. The resolution of disapproval passed by a vote of 235-166 and is now headed to the President Obama’s desk, reported The Hill.

The resolution, originating from Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa, was already passed in the Senate as of November and needed House approval to go forward. The Congressional Review Act allows for Congress to overturn an agency rule only if both chambers pass a resolution of disapproval such as this one, Bakken.com reported. In addition to overturning the rule, implementation of this resolution would prevent the creation of any rule substantially similar to the Waters of the U.S. Rule in the future.

Supporters of the resolution and opponents of the rule claim that the Waters of the United States Rule gives too broad definitions as to what the federal government can regulate. Many are concerned that the rule will result in farmers having to pay huge fines to access waters on their own properties and that even the smallest ditch will fall under federal regulation.

“The federal government shouldn’t be regulating every drop of water,” said Bill Shuster, a representative from Pennsylvania. “Just about every wet area in the country is open to federal regulation under this rule. The rights of landowners and local governments will be trampled.”

Supporters of the rule are concerned that a repeal of this rule will confuse what waters can and cannot be regulated. They are also concerned that a lack of regulation will lead to a drop in environmental standards when it comes to clean water. The EPA has stated that the rule is necessary to clarify what constitutes a federally regulated waterway and that it is consistent with the rest of the Clean Water Act, reported The Hill.

“The question is what, where and how do we protect the waters of the United States?” said Peter DeFazio, a representative from Oregon.

President Obama has already promised to veto the resolution when it comes to his desk, reported The Hill. When the Senate passed the resolution in November, the White House made a similar statement, threatening to veto it should the House pass the resolution.

Sources:

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/265734-house-votes-to-overturn-obamas-water-rule

bakken.com/news/id/250626/house-passes-waters-of-the-united-states-resolution-of-disapproval/