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Press Release Published: Oct 9, 2015

Chairman Chaffetz Statement on WOTUS Ruling

WASHINGTON—House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) released the following statement today in response to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling granting a nationwide stay on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule:

“Today’s decision is welcome news for many Americans. The EPA’s attempt to regulate puddles and ditches is a disaster for landowners and farmers across the country. Under President Obama, the EPA has a history of rushing out rules despite significant opposition, even from other executive branch agencies. In light of this decision, the EPA should withdraw this rule immediately.”

Background:

Earlier this year, in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the Committee released copies of memoranda obtained from the Army Corps of Engineers. These memoranda detailed serious deficiencies in the development of the WOTUS rule and raised concerns as to whether the EPA adequately addressed the Corps recommendations in the final rule. The Sixth Circuit opinion cites a lower court decision as impetus for the stay. The lower court opinion relied heavily on the Army Corps memorandum unearthed by the Committee.