Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa made the following comment today after the Environment and Public Works Committee passed bipartisan legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency to completely revise with stakeholder input, including from the states, the Waters of the United States rule. Grassley is a cosponsor of the bill.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, which Grassley chairs, today held a hearing on the federal regulatory system. The Waters of the United States rule was used as an example of a rulemaking process where the public’s role appeared to be minimalized.
“Instead of attempting to address the legitimate concerns raised during the open comment period, the EPA and its allies pushed their own agenda, attempting to drive support for the rule, while belittling the concerns of the public. The EPA had its own end goal in mind, regardless of public opinion or the economic impact. As written, the rule could result in significant red tape and expense for Iowa farmers as they make routine decisions about how best to use their land, even ironically hampering projects to improve water quality.
“The legislation that passed out of the Environment and Public Works Committee puts the EPA back on the job and requires them to start over with the rulemaking process. It’s a necessary step to protect America’s waterways and protect farmers and other land owners.”
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