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Washington, DC– Congressman Brett Guthrie today voted in support of H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act.

H.R. 5078 will prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers from finalizing and adopting a proposed rule that would expand the regulatory authority of the federal government under the Clean Water Act over waters in the United States.

The Clean Water Act clearly states that it is “the policy of the Congress to recognize, preserve, and protect the primary responsibilities and rights of States to prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution, to plan the development and use (including restoration, preservation, and enhancement) of land and water resources, and to consult with the [EPA] Administrator in the exercise of his authority under this Act.” 

In addition, H.R. 5078 will require that state and local officials be consulted for regulatory proposals that determine the scope of the Clean Water Act.

“This proposed rule is in direct violation of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, which reaffirmed the federal-state partnership,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “The reality of what this proposed rule would mean for farmers, the coal industry and small businesses is extremely troubling.  We need to stop this overreach and prevent the EPA from regulating the water on every land or farm in America.” 

“While holding town hall meetings across Kentucky’s Second District, the EPA continues to be a top concern.  But with the passage of this bipartisan bill, we can prevent the EPA from reaching its hand out further,” added Congressman Guthrie.

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