State's 6 call rule overreach, plan fight

WASHINGTON -- All six members of Arkansas' congressional delegation said Wednesday that they plan to fight back against a water regulation rule approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Originally called the Waters of the United States rule, the EPA has started referring to it as the Clean Water Rule.

The final rule, announced Wednesday, defines which bodies of water the EPA has jurisdiction over as part of the Clean Water Act. It goes into effect 60 days after being published in the Federal Register.

Supporters say the changes will protect the nation's drinking water and help wildlife. Opponents -- largely from agricultural states such as Arkansas -- say any changes would give the federal government too much control over what farmers and land developers do with their property.

Several pieces of legislation to either stop or repeal the rule are being considered. The EPA received more than 1 million comments about the rule.

Five of the six Republican lawmakers released statements denouncing the new rules.

"These unprecedented new regulations will have a devastating impact on Arkansas," said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Dardanelle. "They further establish the EPA's ability to regulate farmland, effectively tying farmers' hands on everything from when to plant, how often they can run a tractor, and regulating mud puddles on their farms."

U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Rogers said in a statement that the executive branch is overreaching its authority.

"This rule will raise costs without providing clean water benefits, takes control away from states and increases uncertainty all while causing project delays as Arkansans try to figure out where this EPA power-grab applies," he said.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs said the EPA chose to ignore comments opposing the rule.

"Even though I am still going through this 400-page rule handed down by the EPA today, it is already clear that the agency is overreaching and hurting Arkansas farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This is a sad day for Arkansas and a sad day for America," he said.

U.S. Rep. French Hill of Little Rock also criticized the White House.

"I am not surprised by the President's decision to finalize the rule, as it's consistent with his knack for making unilateral decisions without the consultation of Congress, state and local governments, and other relevant stakeholders," he said.

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro said the agency ignored public opinion.

"The ambiguous wording of Waters of the United States rule could subject landowners, farmers, and ranchers to jurisdictional challenges and unprecedented levels of compliance costs," he said.

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Rogers also wants Congress to stop the rule, his spokesman Claire Burghoff said.

"Congressman Womack does not believe the federal government should be in the business of regulating every creek, stream, and puddle," she said by email.

Metro on 05/28/2015

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