Mullin Committee Approves Bill To Rein In EPA Authority
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2014
Mullin Applauds Committee Passage of Bills to Rein in EPA Authority
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, applauded the Committee for approving several bills aimed at reining in the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority, providing regulatory certainty, and maintaining a balanced state-federal regulatory relationship.
H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014, introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland (R-FL), would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers from broadening the scope of the Clean Water Act and expanding the federal government’s regulatory authority. Click here for more information about H.R. 5078.
“Ensuring safe and clean water must always be a priority, but the EPA’s new proposed rule to expand the definition of navigable waters threatens agricultural and business operations in Oklahoma with no added protection to our water,” said Representative Mullin. “In practice, expanding regulations on the nation’s waters would significantly limit the amount of usable land for ranchers and farmers. As a rancher myself, I know that these types of overreaching federal regulation could put many family farms at risk.
“Additionally, it is every bit as important to provide clarity in our regulatory system. As it stands, this proposed rule is extremely ambiguous, giving our agriculture and business community zero certainty on what will actually be enforced. By moving this legislation forward, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has taken an important step towards limiting burdensome regs and instilling confidence among our nation’s industries.”
The legislation was also praised by Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan.
“Oklahoma Farm Bureau greatly appreciates the action taken by the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee to prevent government overreach on regulatory decisions regarding the Clean Water Act and proposed rule by the EPA,” Buchanan said. “H.R. 5078 ensures that Oklahoma farmers and ranchers will be protected from unnecessary and burdensome regulations, while still maintaining the environment.”
H.R. 4854, the Regulatory Certainty Act, introduced by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-OH), defines the exact period of time the Environmental Protection Agency is allowed to restrict or deny a Clean Water Act dredge and fill (wetlands) permit under Section 404(c). Additionally, it clarifies that the EPA does not have the authority to disapprove or revoke such a permit before the Army Corps of Engineers has completed its review of a permit application or after the Corps of Engineers has issued the permit. Click here for more information about H.R. 4854.
“Here’s just another example of uncertainty created by our regulatory agencies,” said Mullin. “The EPA has time and time again stepped in and revoked Clean Water Act permits to businesses after they had already been approved! This administration seemingly fails to realize that it’s nearly impossible for industries to operate in this sort of regulatory environment.
“I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to pass The Regulatory Certainty Act of 2014 out of committee.
“This bill will help ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency does not overstep its bounds during project permitting processes, and it supports the interests of farmers and manufacturers in Oklahoma and across the country.”
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Contact:
Josh Miller