Press Releases

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR) today commended the Administration for its final rule, officially published today, providing for the reasonable regulation of the Nation’s waters.

“The President has kept his commitment to farmers, small business owners, and communities in North Missouri and across the country by replacing the excessive and burdensome Obama-era Waters of the United States rule.  The new Navigable Waters Protection Rule respects the rights of states and individuals, and it couldn’t come at a better time. While state and local governments and businesses across the country struggle from the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, what we need is more certainty and less burdensome regulations from Washington.  The President has delivered that as promised,” said Graves. 

“I’m pleased to see the Administration taking this long-overdue step to define and clarify the Clean Water Act,” said Westerman.  “The whole purpose of regulations is to provide narrowly-focused, limited guidance to farmers, industries, and communities.  By clearly defining what falls under Clean Water Act protection and what doesn’t, we’ll better equip farmers to know how to manage their property while still protecting endangered species and ecosystems.”  

The Navigable Waters Protection Rule is the fulfillment of the Administration’s commitment to put forward regulations that do not trample the rights of states, local communities, farmers, small businesses, and private citizens.  The previously repealed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule would have dramatically expanded the Clean Water Act and reduced state and local decision-making with regard to waters and land use.  The new rule will take effect in 60 days.