Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) spoke on the Senate floor against the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers’ Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The Obama Administration’s WOTUS rule is the latest federal government land grab that will expand the scope of federal authority over land and water at the expense of farmers, ranchers, landowners and business owners across the country.
 
“Under this rule, virtually every nook and cranny of the country will be subject to EPA control.” said Senator Tillis. “Leaders of the EPA claim those who oppose WOTUS oppose clean water. This is a completely false and elitist claim. There is complete uncertainty and layer upon layer of bureaucratic red tape. Our landowners, farmers, ranchers and business owners across the country will be subject to compliance costs, new fines, and the risk of litigation all at the discretion of the EPA.”
 
The Obama Administration’s WOTUS rule shifts the focus of the Clean Water Act from water quality protection and navigable waters to regulating habitat and controlling water supply, allowing the EPA to regulate nearly all water sources at their discretion. Earlier today, Senator Tillis voted in favor of S.J. Resolution 22, a joint resolution of disapproval of the rule submitted.
 
Watch Senator Tillis’ Floor Speech Opposing WOTUS Here: