This legislation is necessary because, in my view, the EPA does not seem to understand the real world effects these regulations will have on farmers across the country.
Floor Statement by Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson
H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act
--As Prepared for Delivery--
"I thank the gentleman.
"M__ Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act.
"As others have said, H.R. 5078 would prohibit the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers from redefining “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.
"The bill would also prohibit implementation of the interpretative rule for agriculture which, while it was probably meant to provide some clarity to farmers and ranchers, only creates more confusion and is bad for agriculture.
"This legislation is necessary because, in my view, the EPA does not seem to understand the real world effects these regulations will have on farmers across the country.
"We still don’t have any clear definition of a wetland, an issue dating back to the 80s and 90s. Maps used by USDA were unclear and often mislabeled wetlands. This rule would only add more uncertainty.
"In my state, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has done a great job working with farmers to encourage voluntary conservation efforts. This rule would severely disrupt these positive efforts.
"I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and I yield back."
