WASHINGTON—Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa intends to submit questions to the panelists who testified in front of a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing today regarding the Waters of the United States Rule (WOTUS.) The hearing included ten witnesses who testified about the proposed rule and its potential effects on them. Particularly, he plans to ask what needs to be heard from EPA to be assured the definition for waters of the United States will not lead to overly burdensome regulations and permit requirements for agriculture.
The WOTUS Rule was released in April 2014 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was intended to clarify the federal government’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.
“I’ve heard a great deal of concern from farmers, businessmen, and communities across Iowa regarding this rule. It’s apparent that WOTUS hasn’t clarified much at all. The only thing citizens seem to be sure of is that it will grant the EPA much greater authority. This is a power grab by EPA and it must be stopped.” Grassley said.
A list of witnesses who testified at the hearing and their testimonies can be found here.
Video of the hearing can be found here.
More about Grassley’s position on the WOTUS Rule can be found here.
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