Edwards Statement In Support Of Clean Water Protection

Statement

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) today issued the following statement regarding her opposition to H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, and in support of her amendment to the bill.

"Republicans try to make it sound as if all they want is for the EPA and the Corps to develop rules the right way, but it's clear that what they really want is to stop these agencies from doing their job at all -- no new rules -- no clean water, what a shame. So what we are doing here today is a colossal waste of time and taxpayer money.

"Unfortunately, instead of using a legislative scalpel, my Republican colleagues have decided to use a meat cleaver. In my amendment, I have tried to address those concerns that I have heard from my constituents and other Marylanders. Under my amendment, the administration cannot increase the regulation of ditches. They can't eliminate any historical statutory or regulatory exemptions for agriculture, which do not exist under the 2003 and 2008 documents. My amendment will ensure that the rule does not go further than the Supreme Court decisions and does not exceed historical scope, while reaffirming long-standing and existing exclusions."

H.R. 1732 would halt the current Clean Water Protection rulemaking process by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the proposed Clean Water Protection rule and restart the entire rulemaking process. H.R. 1732 passed the House by a vote of 261-155.

Congresswoman Edwards' amendment was intended to serve as a backstop by listing policy provisions that the Secretary and Administrator are prohibited from including in a final rule that are based on concerns expressed by some constituents, other Marylanders, and opponents of the rulemaking. Edwards' amendment failed to pass the House by a vote of 167-248.

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