McConnell Cosponsors Bill Halting EPA's Power-Grab on Waterways

Press Release

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell cosponsored legislation introduced by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from implementing their proposed rule expanding federal authority over waterways across the country.

"This proposed rule by the Obama Administration would have a devastating impact on Kentucky's farmers, coal industry, landowners, and other small businesses; it would also have a harmful effect on jobs," Senator McConnell said. "I have heard from Kentuckians across the state and from various different industries on this issue. All are concerned this is another power-grab by the EPA to essentially regulate every ditch and pothole in our state."

Dave Maples, President of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, said, "The EPA's proposed rule would essentially allow the EPA to regulate even more of our producers' property under the Clean Water Act, calling into question our longstanding practices and placing further regulatory and economic uncertainty on Kentucky producers and their families. We commend Senator McConnell for once again fighting back against the EPA and for standing up for Kentucky cattlemen and livestock producers."

Bill Bissett, President of the Kentucky Coal Association, said, "We commend Senator McConnell for fighting back against another EPA assault on the coal industry and those that indirectly rely on it. This proposed rule would essentially allow the EPA further into our backyards and businesses, meanwhile creating even more regulatory uncertainty and economic burdens."

Bob Weiss, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Kentucky said, "On behalf of the 6,000 member firms of the Home Builders Association of Kentucky I would like to personally thank Senator McConnell for once again standing tall for the housing industry in our state. The proposed regulation regarding the Waters of the U.S. would become a detriment for any of our members to begin new building projects for fear of violating a rule that is ill conceived and ill designed. The result of this EPA rule would certainly result in a loss of construction jobs in the state. Senator McConnell's co-sponsorship of the Barrasso bill designed to stop the implementation of the EPA rule is applauded by all who build in the Commonwealth."

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