Simpson Warns EPA not to return to Obama-era WOTUS definition

Washington, D.C.  - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regen today assured Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson that he does not intend to return to the controversial Obama-era definition of Waters of the U.S.

During the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Simpson expressed the concerns that he has heard from farmers, ranchers, small businesses, governors, and many others about the extremely broad definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ under the Clean Water Act.

“The WOTUS rule from the Obama Administration blatantly and extensively overreached, which is why I fought this massive expansion of federal jurisdiction since day one and will continue to do so,” said Simpson.

Simpson also questioned the Administrator how the EPA plans to move forward when addressing issues involving the Clean Water Act.

“The cost of replacement or repair of water utility infrastructure can be crippling to small municipal budgets,” said Simpson. “I am pleased the EPA is committed to working with local leaders to ease the burden of costly regulations regarding compliance.”

Congressman Simpson has long been an advocate for local input and control on issues related to the EPA. Simpson is the Ranking Member of the Energy and Water House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the budget for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a member of the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee that oversees the budget for the EPA.  In these roles, he has authored language passed by the House that would prevent the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from expanding their regulatory jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.

To view Simpson’s comments during the hearing on WOTUS and Clean Water Act visit his website.

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