9-27 IAN EPA Water

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule yesterday which would establish federal regulatory jurisdiction over non-navigable streams, wetlands and other water resources.  Currently, non-navigable waters are regulated by the states. Here's Congressman Simpson's spokesperson, Nikki Watts: "Congressman Simpson is very concerned about the latest proposed rule by the EPA. Most farmers and ranchers he talks to are scared to death about the possibility that the EPA would be able to regulate their irrigation ditches, drainage ponds, and even groundwater. ?In the West, water is critical to our way of life.  Allowing the federal government to claim jurisdiction over state waters would have a devastating impact on rural communities throughout our state and the food supply throughout our nation.  ?That's why Congressman Simpson included language in his appropriations bill that will prevent any attempt by the EPA to claim additional jurisdiction over state waters and increase its already excessive authority over Western farmers, families, and businesses."?