Republicans warn EPA plan would give feds ‘free reign’ to regulate almost all waterways

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Fox News:

Republican lawmakers warned Wednesday that a complex EPA proposal in the works would give the federal government "free reign" to regulate virtually any waterway or wetland in the country.

 

In a rare joint House-Senate hearing, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy was called to explain the plan, which has prompted complaints from farmers and agriculture groups, as well as local environmental officials who worry the EPA is claiming authority that should be left to the states.

 

House transportation committee chairman Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., said that if the policy takes effect, "It will open the door for the federal government to regulate just about any place where water collects."

 

Shuster claimed the proposal would "trample the rights" of state governments and hurt the middle class by driving up prices through additional regulation.

 

"This rule is an end-run around Congress and another example of overreach by the administration," he said.

 

Since 2013, the EPA has floated new rules that would define what kinds of waterways fall under its jurisdiction. The Clean Water Act already gives the EPA the ability to regulate "U.S. waters," but Supreme Court rulings have left the specifics unclear when it comes to waters that flow only part of the year.

 

To address that, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers want to define that authority -- and are eyeing waterways deemed to have some significant connection to major rivers, lakes and other systems.

 

The EPA is planning to release a final rule in the spring of this year.

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Don't touch that puddle without EPA approval...