On Tuesday, the Senate failed to pass S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, a bill that would have halted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineer’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. But today, the Senate passed S.J. Res. 22, a joint resolution of disapproval of WOTUS.
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From the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association:
WASHINGTON (Nov. 4, 2015) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council appreciate the bi-partisan show of support in the Senate today against the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ “waters of the United States” rule. NCBA President, Philip Ellis said the joint resolution passed today by the Senate (53-44) could finally put this burdensome regulation to rest.
“America’s cattlemen and women are drowning in federal regulation that adds burdens, costs and uncertainty to our businesses,” said Ellis “The WOTUS regulation is the greatest overreach yet. If allowed to take effect, it would give EPA jurisdiction over millions of acres of state and private property. Without action by Congress and the President to withdraw this rule; producers, stakeholders and states will be forced to continue litigation, adding millions of dollars in expenses and years in delay.”
The joint resolution passed by the Senate was brought by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) under the Congressional Review Act. This resolution would order the EPA and Corps to withdraw the WOTUS rule and would prevent the agencies from further similar rulemaking. The joint resolution must now be passed by the House and signed by the President.
From the National Corn Growers Association:
WASHINGTON (November 4, 2015) – On Tuesday, the Senate failed to pass S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, a bill that would have halted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineer’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. On Wednesday, the Senate passed S.J. Res. 22, a joint resolution of disapproval of WOTUS.
Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Newburg, Maryland, issued the following statement:
“Thank you to the bipartisan group of Senators who have recognized that the Waters of the U.S. rule did not work.
“America’s farmers and ranchers care deeply about clean water, and we are committed to protecting it for future generations. But this rule is not based on science or law, does not clarify farmers’ responsibilities under the Clean Water Act and will not improve water quality.
“We supported S. 1140 because we believe the EPA, the Corps, farmers and other stakeholders must collaborate on a better rule we can all get behind. While that bill did not pass, we appreciate the Senate’s actions today, and we remain hopeful that cooperation and dialogue can win the day. We have been engaged with EPA from the beginning and our door remains open. Let’s work together on a better rule that will give farmers the certainty they need while protecting America’s water resources.”