An effort by the Obama Administration to redefine the scope of the Clean Water Act is drawing fire from federal lawmakers in Missouri and Illinois.
Since 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed the Clean Water Act into law, two Supreme Court cases have limited the jurisdiction of both the EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers to enforce the Act.
At issue is the definition of “Waters of the United States.” The Obama Administration says a proposed rule would clarify that jurisdiction. Opponents say the proposal goes too far.
Republican Representative Vicky Hartzler is one of the original co-sponsors of a House bill requiring the EPA to withdraw its rule.
“It forces them to go back to the drawing board to clarify who really has jurisdiction over all types of waters in this country."
The Administration opposes the legislation. It says the EPA and Army Corps have listened carefully to the public throughout what it calls an extensive public engagement process.