Peterson Sponsors Bill to Prevent Redefining of U.S. Waters

WASHINGTON - Congressman Collin C. Peterson today joined more than 100 members of the U.S. House to introduce the bipartisan Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act (H.R. 594). The legislation would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers from redefining "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. The bill would also prohibit the implementation of the interpretive rule for agriculture.

"The EPA, unfortunately, does not seem to understand how their proposed regulations would actually impact farmers and ranchers. While the intent of the interpretive rule was to provide some clarity, it only creates more confusion and red tape. This legislation will keep this rule from going into effect and allow farmers and ranchers to do their jobs without unnecessary regulation," Peterson said.

Last Congress, Peterson was an original co-sponsor of similar legislation (H.R. 5078) which was passed by the House but never considered in the Senate.