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McCollum Opposed Republican Efforts to Scale Back the Clean Water Act

September 9, 2014

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act (H.R. 5078). This Republican legislation prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers from developing a clear definition of navigable waters of the United States with the intent to impede action on protecting water resources. EPA requires a clear definition to continue implementing the Clean Water Act, which safeguards wetlands and tributaries in the United States. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-MN) voted against the bill and issued the following statement:

“Once again Republicans are taking aim at the environment and clean water by unnecessarily intervening in a critical rule-making process. Preserving the health of America’s wetlands and streams is essential to Minnesota, a state with more than 10,000 lakes and over 69,000 miles of river. The EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers need to continue moving forward, in consultation with key stakeholders, and develop a sound definition that protects the health of a precious natural resource – America’s waters.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations Committee.

She is Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.