Hartzler, Luetkemeyer Rail Against Flawed EPA “Waters” Rule

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Representatives Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) and Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) yesterday held a press conference where they discussed legislation that was recently introduced and passed out of committee in the House of Representatives that would require the EPA to withdraw its flawed “Waters of the U.S.” rule.

“It was not surprising to see such a great show of support today,” Hartzler said.  “This rule has been flawed in its inception.  As you look at the Missouri River here, it’s easy to understand why it is considered ‘navigable water’, and why the federal government has an interest in it.  But when you picture a ditch alongside a farmer’s crops, it becomes ridiculous to think that the federal government should be regulating it.”

“Above all, this legislation requires the EPA to withdraw this broken rule,” Hartzler added.  “In going forward, it requires that they listen to those groups who were marginalized in the first place – the state, local, and non-federal actors.  It restores the state-federal partnership that existed before the rule and certainty for farmers, developers, and local governments.  In short, it ends what was nothing more than a unilateral power grab by the administration.  I am happy to support this legislation and I look forward to seeing it on the House floor.”

“The current WOTUS proposal by the EPA is not only an attack on individual rights but also represents a huge encroachment on the rights of states to regulate the waters within their own borders,” Luetkemeyer said. “The EPA can try to rebrand and repackage this proposal any way they want, but any reasonable person knows that it will do immense damage to our nation’s economy and individual property rights.”

Reps. Hartzler and Luetkemeyer were joined by Darrick Steen, a Professional Engineer representing Missouri Soybeans; Steve Taylor, Executive Director of the Missouri Agribusiness Association; Harry Thompson, member of the Missouri Farm Bureau Board of Directors; and Shane Kinne, Director of Public Policy for the Missouri Corn Growers Association. 

Other groups in attendance to show support for this legislation included the Missouri Pork Producers, Association of General Contractors, Missouri Limestone Producers Association, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Public Utility Alliance, Missouri Land Improvement Contractors Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Rural Electric Cooperatives, and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Congresswoman Hartzler represents Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.  She serves on the House Agriculture, Armed services, and Budget Committees.

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