Simpson Opposes Expansion Of Federal Water Jurisdiction
Statement
Simpson Opposes Expansion Of Federal Water Jurisdiction
Congressman Mike Simpson today came out in strong opposition to H.R. 5088, America's Commitment to Clean Water Act. This legislation cedes authority over all waters in the United States to the federal government, including water currently regulated by states, and makes it subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act.
"We in the West know just how valuable water is to our way of life. By giving the federal government jurisdiction over Idaho's water, this bill could have a devastating impact on our economy, food supply, and the livelihoods of those in rural communities across our state," said Simpson. "There is no way around it--this is big government asserting that it knows better than states, local governments, and farmers and ranchers how to manage the water supply in Idaho."
The term "navigable waters" has long been the term which limits federal intrusion with regards to the Clean Water Act's authority. The Clean Water Restoration Act would remove "navigable waters" from the law and replace it with the phrase "waters of the United States," effectively resulting in a massive expansion of the federal government's authority by increasing the number of waters subject to water quality standards.
"I am also deeply concerned about the ramifications of this legislation on states' rights," said Simpson. "Under this bill, the reach of federal jurisdiction over water in Idaho would be so broad that it could significantly restrict the ability of landowners' to make decisions about their property and the right of state and local governments to plan for their own development."
Simpson is the Ranking Member on the House appropriations subcommittee that funds EPA. Last year Simpson filed an amendment to the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill to block EPA from implementing any attempt to expand the federal government's jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. While Democrat leadership refused to let the amendment be debated on the floor of the House of Representatives, Simpson fully intends to introduce a similar amendment again this year.
Source