WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 13, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Representative John Moolenaar (R-Midland) questioned EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy about her agency’s Waters of the United States Rule. The EPA announced the rule last month, despite a recent bipartisan vote in Congress calling on the agency to withdraw the rule and seek more comment from local communities and their residents.
Moolenaar has repeatedly heard from hardworking Fourth District farmers about their concerns regarding the possibility of the EPA regulating ditches on their land. He asked McCarthy to clarify the matter and McCarthy agreed to work with him on the matter in the future.
Moolenaar released the following statement on today’s hearing:
“I support the Clean Water Act and its protections for the Great Lakes and the drinking water of Michigan residents. The EPA must focus on protecting navigable waters, but many in Michigan’s Fourth District have shared with me their concerns that the EPA is overstepping its authority with its latest water rule.
“Congress has oversight of the EPA and has heard from environmental experts and farmers that the water rule is confusing. The unintended consequences of this rule could be very costly to local communities in Michigan. I look forward to working with Administrator McCarthy on making sure Michigan farmers, businesses and towns will be able to operate without interference from the EPA.”
Here is video of Representative Moolenaar questioning Administrator McCarthy.