[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9975]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  THE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES RULE

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address 
the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' proposed regulation ``the waters 
of the United States rule.''
  Undoubtedly, we all want and rightfully deserve clean water and 
healthy watersheds, especially those that make their living off the 
land, whether through farming, natural resource development and 
harvesting, or recreation and tourism.
  The EPA suggested that expanding the reach of the Clean Water Act is 
necessary, yet they have not illustrated a clear end of the 
jurisdiction they seek. As a result, many are concerned about the 
threat to private property rights, active land management, agriculture, 
and energy development--especially in rural communities.
  Without direct input from stakeholders and the legislative process, 
these new regulations would circumvent congressional approval, with 
limited transparency.
  Economists have suggested the EPA has systematically underestimated 
the economic impact that may occur. Counties across the country are 
concerned about losing control over their ability for local planning 
and fear additional mandates from Washington, with little guidance or 
economic incentives.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people elected the representatives of this 
body to preside over the making of law. An agency cannot rule by fiat.
  The American people deserve better.

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