WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas issued the following statement today upon passage of H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act. This legislation prohibits the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers from finalizing, implementing, and enforcing a proposed rule that would redefine “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. It is the authority of Congress, not the administration, to change the scope of the Clean Water Act.

“I’m pleased the House approved this commonsense legislation to block the EPA from expanding its control of our nation’s land and water resources. This bipartisan bill will preserve states’ rights and it ensures the Obama administration consult state and local officials on any future proposal to regulate our nation’s waters under the Clean Water Act.

“The EPA is once again seeking to overstep its authority and we are here to remind them of the balance of powers. The agency’s proposed rule to redefine waters of the United States would trigger an onslaught of additional red tape for farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma and across the nation. Protecting our natural resources is a noble cause and one that the agriculture community stands solidly behind. However, the EPA’s proposed rule is an underhanded way to harm American agriculture and threaten our country’s food security,” said Congressman Lucas.

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