WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted to pass H.J. Res 27, which would revise the Biden Administration’s revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and ease the regulatory burdens for farmers, water districts, small businesses, local communities, and everyday Americans.
Louisiana farmers support America’s agricultural industry, which drives our economy and feeds the world,” said Congressman Higgins. “Imposing harsh restrictions on what the American people can and cannot do with their own land is an unacceptable form of government overreach. We must do away with oppressive regulations, and protect American industry.”
Background:
- In 1972, the Clean Water Act (CWA) was established to provide authority to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) to define waters of the United States.
- If a body of water fell under the definition of WOTUS then any user, including private property owners, federal, state, or local governments, must abide by provisions within the act. This could include a costly environmental compliance.
- Overtime, the definitions for WOTUS and navigable waters has become increasingly vague and overly broad, leaving significant room for government overreach to decide what Americans can and cannot do with their land.
- In 2020, the Trump Administration issued the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), that would provide clarity to what is considered WOTUS and put a reasonable limit on the federal regulatory power.
- The Biden Administration repealed the NWPR and effectively reversed the rule. This reversal returns the United States to the era of expansive definitions and aggressive government overreach.
Read the legislation here.
