Senators John Barrasso of Wyoming and Joe Donnelly of Indiana are introducing bipartisan legislation to repeal EPA’s proposed Waters of the U.S. rule.
This legislation would require EPA and the Army Corps to withdraw the rule and re-write their proposal with consideration of stakeholders and review of economic and small business input.
It also requires EPA to adhere to definitions included in the bill which would limit the reach of a new rule.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Philip Ellis says the final WOTUS rule has already been sent to the Office of Management and Budget.
Ellis says finalizing the rule only six months after receiving more than 1-million comments sends a clear message that EPA has no intention of listening to the broad array of stakeholders and is pushing forward with a problematic rule.
NCBA and the American Farm Bureau applaud the introduction of this legislation.
AFBF President Bob Stallman says tens of thousands of farmers, ranchers and landowners have spoken out, but EPA has yet to fully acknowledge the proposal’s potential impact on everyday farming activities.
Farm Bureau urges Congress to act swiftly before the rule is final so agencies can re-craft the rule to ensure it is practical and addresses farmers, ranchers and business owners’ concerns across the country.
