Peterson Sponsors Bill to Repeal WOTUS

WASHINGTON - Congressman Collin C. Peterson today joined members of the U.S. House to introduce the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw the proposed "Waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) rule and develop a new rule based on input from stakeholders.

"EPA's proposed WOTUS rule has the potential to regulate our farmers and ranchers out of business, putting the entire rural economy in jeopardy. This legislation is needed because the EPA does not seem to grasp the real-world impact WOTUS would have on our farmers and local communities," Peterson said.

The legislation requires input from state, county and local government officials and agencies be taken into account when proposing a new rule.

"Having input from all stakeholders and taking a careful look at the costs and benefits of a proposed rule is necessary to understanding the impact regulations will have on all involved and also help reduce some of the confusion surrounding the issue," Peterson said.