Hoeven threatens to defund EPA

Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) vowed to stop a proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would allow more water regulations. 

“The Waters of the U.S. rule will heavily burden not just farmers and ranchers, but also the energy industry, construction industry and many other industry sectors,” Hoeven said. “I will continue my efforts to either de-authorize the rule or defund it as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.”

{mosads}The EPA announced that it would extend the comment period on the Waters of the United States rule until after the elections — Nov. 14.

“While extending the comment period to allow for more input is fine, the fact is that the EPA needs to rescind the rule,” Hoeven said. “The agency is asserting jurisdiction beyond that which has been granted to it by Congress.”

Hoeven has been critical of the EPA proposal that would clarify the agency’s regulations on small bodies of water, such as streams and rivers, to ensure clean water. Republicans and some business groups argue the new rule would financially burden farmers and ranchers with water on their land.

The EPA said it has the authority to implement the rule but would not finalize it until after the Scientific Advisory Board report is complete.