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(May 13, 2015) – Statement from Congressman Dave Brat (R-VA) on the House’s passage Tuesday of the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act:
“Late Tuesday evening, the House voted to stop an Environmental Protection Agency regulation that could ultimately force district farmers and families to seek permits to use water on their own lands. Many farmers and landowners were preparing for the EPA to mandate that they fence in ponds and ditches on their properties because of the agency’s pending ‘Waters of the United States’ rule.
“The EPA announced the proposed rule last year. It’s a plan to radically redefine the scope of the waters the federal government can regulate. Prior to the proposal, the term ‘Waters of the United States’ traditionally governed ‘navigable waters,’ such as those navigated by boats or ships.
“Under the EPA’s proposed new definition, many other waters that flow or accumulate anywhere in the United States – such as drainage ditches, farm ponds, and even seasonally wet areas – could be subject to regulation. This would mean that if a heavy rain deposited a stream of water on one’s property, under certain circumstances, the federal government could regulate it.
‘This revision represents a massive overreach by the federal government as it attempts to seep into the private property of American families. As I’ve traveled throughout my district, I’ve met farmers, ranchers, developers, local government officials, and average homeowners who have all expressed their deep concerns about this overreach. This proposal could impact property owners by forcing them to get permits to use water on their own lands.
“I’m proud to have voted for H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which gives the EPA 30 days to withdraw its proposed rule and write a new rule after gaining consensus from the public, state and local officials, and other stakeholders about which waters and wetlands should be covered.
‘This bipartisan bill reins in part of the rampant regulatory machine that Washington has become. It passed the House 261-155.”
