Rep. Lynn Westmoreland: House Passes Water Bill to Protect GA Farmers

Your Washington – GA 3 – Desk

House Passes Water Bill to Protect GA Farmers

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act. The bill restricts the ability of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers efforts to expand federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act with respect to ‘waters of the United States’, as well as requiring them to engage in a federal consultation with the states and local governments.

“This bill is another example of Congress having to prevent the EPA from overstepping its bounds and regulating outside its authority,” stated Westmoreland. “The EPA is constantly trying to bypass state and local governments, when they are the ones that know the land and water sources the best.”

H.R. 5078 specifically prevents the EPA from implementing a rule that defines ‘Waters of the United States’ under the Clean Water Act that widens the scope of their federal jurisdiction over the waters. Under the proposed rule, the Clean Water Act could regulate waters in ditches, man-made ponds, floodplains, riparian areas, and seasonally-wet areas – burdening and even threatening jobs in the agricultural industry.

“Our farmers shouldn’t fear the EPA because of ditches that fill with rainwater on their farmland. The scope and breadth of the EPA has gotten too vast and this is another example of the EPA not only taking advantage of their power, but taking it too far again. H.R. 5078 requires the EPA and Army Corps to consult with the state and local officials for their recommendations on proposals rather than implementing their own rules as they please. It’s a commonsense bill that keeps our water sources clean, but not at the expense of jobs.”

Congressman Westmoreland voted in support of H.R. 5078, and encourages Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid to finally bring a House bill that saves jobs to the floor for a vote.