Obama Administration’s Clean Water Rule Continues Assault on Nation’s Farmers

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after the Obama Administration finalized its Clean Water Act Waters of the United States Rule.

“The Obama Administration's ruling today is a continuation of their regulatory assault on our nation's farmers," said Congressman Collins. "The EPA’s overreach is causing real harm for local farmers and stalling business development. When I visit with local farmers, the heavy burdens under the Clean Water Act come up each and every time.  When the bureaucrats at the EPA decide to call a divot in the ground that fills with rain a ‘navigable waterway’ under the CWA, we know our federal government has run amuck. I will continue to do all I can to fight this burdensome and business crushing ruling."

Last May, Congressman Collins led a bipartisan letter, signed by a majority of Congress, to the EPA Administrator asking for the Waters of the United States Rule to be withdrawn.  Full text of the letter can be read here.  This Congress, Congressman Collins co-sponsored H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015, which would require the Administration to withdraw its Waters of the United States Rule.  H.R. 1732 passed the House of Representatives earlier this month.