WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), a member of the Small Business Committee, participated in a critical hearing titled Will EPA’s ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule Drown Small Businesses? This hearing is the first such committee hearing on the EPA’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed expansive rule to broaden the scope of waters subject to federal control under the Clean Water Act. Following the hearing, Congressman Huelskamp issued the following release:

“The Obama Administration continues its attack against America’s Heartland—particularly her farmers and ranchers. This purposed rule violates the clear intent of the Clean Water Act and is nothing more than a Washington power grab. The President, through the EPA and the Army Corp, plans a vast overreach of government into our businesses and very lives.

“Washington is creating regulatory uncertainty. The future of our economy, particularly in rural America, depends on rolling back these over-regulations. America cannot afford an expanded and excessive regulatory scheme concocted by bureaucrats who have never met a payroll in their lives. It is imperative for America’s hardworking families that we loosen–not expand–the regulatory grip of the EPA on the American economy.”
Last week, Congressman Huelskamp joined his Committee colleagues in writing to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo Ellen Darcy, who oversees the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to urge strongly the withdrawal of this pending rule. It is the second letter Congressman Huelskamp has signed in opposition to this dangerous proposal.

Testimonies during today’s hearing included: Jack Field (NCBA Member), Owner, Lazy JF Cattle, Yakima, WA; Tom Woods, Owner, Woods Custom Homes, Blue Springs, MO; Alan Parks, Vice President, Memphis Stone and Gravel Co., Memphis, TN; and Mr. William Buzbee, Professor of Law, Director, Emory Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, Emory Law School, Atlanta, GA.