Latta votes to limit U.S. EPA’s authority

VW independent/submitted information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) voted in support of S.J.Res.22, providing for congressional disapproval of the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The WOTUS rule, which was finalized in June 2015, significantly expands the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act over virtually all waters and wet areas in the country.

“The Waters of the United States rule is another glaring example of this administration’s alarming regulatory overreach,” Latta noted. “This rule greatly expands the scope of the Agencies, and greatly infringes on the rights of property owners, particularly in agricultural communities like the Fifth District.

“Americans have made it clear that they want to maintain their right to control their fields, farms, and ranches without interference from Washington,” he added. “I have worked with my colleagues on several efforts to halt this detrimental rule, since it was finalized last summer, and I am pleased that today’s resolution will now go to the President’s desk. I voted to disapprove the WOTUS rule in order to protect American property owners, and especially Ohio’s farming community.”

S.J. Res 22 was approved by the Senate on November 4, 2015. Introduced under the Congressional Review Act, the resolution dictates that the Army Corps and EPA may not issue the same or a substantially similar rule unless authorized by subsequent legislation. Rep. Latta was a cosponsor of the House companion resolution, H.J.Res.59.