EPA's Thirst for Controlling Private Property Starts with Your Water

Statement

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement of a proposed new rule which could grant the agency jurisdiction over most water in the country whether it's on private property or not. The Waters of the United States rule could significantly expand federal authority into private property by ways of streams, ditches, ponds, and other local bodies of water.

"What the EPA is doing is getting its foot into the door for telling you what you can and cannot do on your private property," said Enzi. "If they can control how water is used, that'll trickle into every facet of land ownership. The EPA is already prosecuting Wyoming land owners who are trying to make improvements on their own property. They are looking for every opportunity to regulate private property. I fought their Blueways rule, and I'll fight this Waters of the United States rulemaking."

Source