Collins Votes to "Ditch the Rule"

Press Release

Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) today helped pass H.R. 5078, The Waters of the United States Regulatory Protection Act of 2014. This legislation is a direct response to concerns Congressman Collins has discussed with constituents about the overreach of the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers into regulating streams, ponds, and virtually any of the small bodies of water that dot the farm landscape in Georgia and across the country.

Congressman Collins said, "This is simply a land grab that takes away opportunity from people who could be doing something productive with the land. It's not in the spirit of the Clean Water Act, so this rule should be stopped. I've had countless conversations with Georgia farmers, land developers, and constituents from all walks of life who want to see this overreach stopped and I'm glad the House acted to answer those concerns."

Congressman Collins spoke about H.R. 5078 on the House floor before the vote. His remarks can be viewed here.

The federal overreach comes in the form of a change in the rules that the EPA and the Corps can make for themselves in how they execute the Clean Water Act of 1972. Today's legislation stops that rule from taking effect and requires the EPA and the Corps of Engineers to consult with local authorities on how waterways should be regulated.

Earlier this year, Congressman Collins wrote to the EPA Administrator and the Secretary of the Army about the impact of this rule change on Georgia's 9th district.

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