Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) released a statement Wednesday criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and President Barack Obama's administration for the final version of the Waters of the United States Rule (WOTUS), which expands federal jurisdiction over the more of the nation’s water resources.
“Today, the president has given EPA regulators even more power over the lives of American families and their personal property,” Calvert, who chairs the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee, said. “Make no mistake, the misguided WOTUS regulation will result in increased redundancy, cause unnecessary delays, kill jobs and harm our economy.”
The rule has been embattled since its introduction over a year ago, with some politicians, Calvert included, and industry groups arguing that the increased federal authority will result in increased oversight and permitting, making it harder for manufacturers, farmers, ranchers and other business owners to operate.
“My constituents want to see less red tape, not more, yet today’s announcement means our already ineffective federal regulators will have an even greater ability to suppress the rights of property owners,” Calvert said.
The rule is facing bills that would block its implementation in both houses of Congress, and Calvert has publicly supported the Senate’s Regulatory Integrity Protection Act.
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