Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today issued the following statement in favor of the Trump Administration’s announcement of a new proposal to redefine the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule:
“I have fought for months to permanently repeal the Obama-era WOTUS rule, and I applaud the Administration’s announcement of a new WOTUS rule that would end the uncertainty currently faced by Hoosier farmers and landowners. The Obama-era WOTUS rule is the poster child for government overreach, as it gave unelected bureaucrats at the EPA the power to broadly interpret what is a navigable waterway. With this announcement, Hoosier farmers and agriculture producers are closer to receiving relief from this massive government power grab. This new rule will provide much-needed clarity and end federal overreach.”
Earlier this year, the House passed an amendment authored by Banks that would have permanently repealed the Obama-era WOTUS rule. Banks spoke about his amendment on the House floor.
Last year, Banks led the Republican members of Indiana’s congressional delegation in sending a letter to the EPA Administrator calling for a review and repeal of the WOTUS rule.
