U.S. Senator Pat Roberts

Senator Roberts opposes the “Waters of the United States” proposed rule has cosponsored and voted for legislation to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing the rule.

“Waters of the United States” regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers attempt to further define the scope of waters regulated under the Clean Water Act. The agencies are also proposing, for the first time, to define the terms “neighboring,” “riparian area,” “floodplain,” “tributary,” and “significant nexus.”

Too often Kansans have felt that their way of life has been under attack or hindered by the EPA with the Clean Water Act as the justification. From every corner of the state, I hear from farmers, ranchers, small businesses owners, and others that want limits to the federal government’s reach and for the administration to work with them instead of against them.

These technical definitions and changes to the Clean Water Act lay the groundwork for continued environmental regulation and potential future regulatory efforts. I encourage all Kansans to look over the proposed rule, ask questions, and submit comments for the record. Farm ponds and dry creek beds simply should not be regulated as if they are the Missouri River. Kansans should weigh in to make sure common sense prevails.

The public comment period closed on November 14, 2014. To see the comments, click here.

In October of 2015, The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a nationwide stay against the enforcement of the rule.           

Senator Roberts opposes the “Waters of the United States” proposed rule has cosponsored and voted for legislation to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing the rule. Senator Roberts is an original cosponsor of S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act. He has also voted in favor Senate Joint Resolution no. 22, introduced by Senator Joni Ernst to disapprove of the rule, as well as numerous amendments, such as amendment no. 3811 to the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that aimed to prohibit any funds from being used to implement the rule. In the 113^th Congress, Senator Roberts was original cosponsor of S. 2496, the Protecting Water and Property Rights Act, and  S. 1006, the Preserve the Waters of the United States Act, and has also cosponsored Senator Rand Paul’s Defense of Environment and Property Act, S. 890. He supported an amendment no. 888 to preserve existing rights and responsibilities with respect to waters of the United States during debate of S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act.

Video: Senator Roberts Stands Up to the EPA Waters of the US Regulations