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EPA Forges Ahead with Waterways Rule Despite Order

CBN

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The Environmental Protection Agency says it's going ahead with a new federal rule that it says will protect small streams, tributaries and wetlands, despite a court order that blocked the measure in 13 central and western states.

Opponents say they'll keep fighting. Four senators - two Democrats and two Republicans - published an opinion in US News Friday against the rule.

Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., John Barrasso R-Wyo., Heidi Heitkamp, D- N.D. and Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., agree that U.S. waters should be kept clean, but the EPA's rule has raised concerns in "nearly every sector of our economy."

The team of four submitted their own bill.

"Our bill is not designed to undermine the EPA's efforts, but rather to develop an effective, workable rule that gives consideration to those voices who will be most impacted by it," they wrote.

They say the EPA has "created considerable and potentially costly confusion for many American businesses and communities who are just trying to do their jobs well."

The EPA says the rule simply clarifies which smaller waterways can be protected by the federal government.

Opponents call the rule an example of federal overreach and they fear more federal regulations of nearly every stream and ditch on rural lands.

 

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