Press Releases

Congressman Garret Graves (R – South Louisiana) voted to prohibit the implementation of the controversial Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) proposed rule that defines "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) today as part of the House's passage of H.R. 2028, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016.

The EPA's proposed WOTUS rule redefines the meaning of waters of the United States, resulting in a significant expansion of federal regulatory powers that will directly affect the private property of millions of American. In South Louisiana, it would give the federal government unilateral authority to require expensive wetlands mitigation resulting from activities such as building a home or small business. This could add hundreds of thousands of dollars per acre to the cost of construction or other development projects on private property.

"This Administration continues to demonstrate an insatiable appetite for expanding regulations to broaden the jurisdictional footprints of its agencies. The proposed "Waters of the US" rule would infringe upon the rights of private property owners and have a devastating impact on small businesses and economic development projects in South Louisiana," commented Graves. "Today, we once again send a strong message to the White House that Congress will not stand for policies that expand the reach of the federal government, diminish the liberties of hardworking Americans and stifle economic activity in this country."

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