Representative Mike Simpson

Congressman Simpson's Weekly Recap

September 3rd, 2023

Dear [salutation],

Last week, I gave you an update on some of my recent Community Project Funding site visits throughout Idaho's Second Congressional District. I'm happy to share that I have more exciting project visits to report on. You can check out two of my other visits below.

This week, we watched the Biden administration double down on its expansive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overreach as the EPA released its updated Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule following the U.S. Supreme Court’s May ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case.

I’ve fought against expansive WOTUS overreach since the beginning, and I’ll continue to stand with Idaho farmers and ranchers against this blatant overreach.

Updating Rexburg's Headworks Facility

Last week’s visit to the Headworks Facility at the Rexburg Wastewater Treatment Plant consisted of discussions regarding the recent STAG funding I secured through Community Project Funding.

Upgrading this facility is vital for Rexburg's growth, fixing corrosion issues, and meeting the current needs. Thank you to Mayor Merrill, City Council Members, and Rexburg City employees for having me!

Supporting ISU's Cybersecurity Research

It was great to spend this year's first Bengal Wednesday with staff from Idaho State University's Industrial Cybersecurity Research Laboratory. We discussed my recent Community Project Funding request for the lab, the future of cybersecurity, and nuclear engineering.

ISU has become a global leader with this lab, and their impact on Idaho, the region, and the nation is significant.

EPA's WOTUS Revised Rule

I have expressed concerns about regulatory overreach by the EPA and have taken action to stop the expansive overreach since the Obama administration. Most recently, as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, I authored language in the Fiscal Year 2024 bill to prevent and block the flawed definition of WOTUS under the Clean Water Act.

The Supreme Court rightfully reined in the Biden administration’s EPA regulatory overreach in Sackett. However, the EPA’s revised rule ignores the very concerns laid out in the case. I’ve long fought against expansive WOTUS overreach, and I will continue to do so as America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners face regulatory assault from the federal government.

You can read my full statement below.

My Statement