House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) has joined a growing list of Republican lawmakers opposing the proposed rule to clarify the nation’s wetlands policies.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed “Waters of the United States” rule under the Clean Water Act would protect ephemeral and intermittent streams that don’t always flow above ground, but the EPA argues are connected to perennial waters and wetlands, and contribute to drinking water supplies.
Shuster submitted a letter on behalf of the committee stating the rule would increase the amount of private property subject to federal control and allow the government to control activity impacting the areas. He’s also concerned the rule would create a new litigation tool for environmentalists.
“EPA and the Corps must abandon the proposed Waters of the United States rule,” the letter states. “It presents a grave threat to Americans’ property rights, and its finalization will force landowners throughout the country to live with the unending prospect that their homes, farms or communities could be subject to ruinous Clean Water Act jurisdictional determinations and litigation.”
The EPA counters by saying the rule would reduce confusion, provide more benefits than it costs and help states protect their waters.