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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
CONTACT: Lucas – Tamara Hinton (202) 225-0184 Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Graves - Alexandra Haynes (202)
225-5821
Rural America Solutions Group
Co-Chairs Call for Committee Hearings on Federal Power Grab of Clean Water
Act Bill threatens livelihood of
farmers, small businesses and rural Americans nationwide WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Today,
Co-Chairs of the Rural America Solutions Group Frank Lucas (R-OK), Sam Graves
(R-MO) and Doc Hastings (R-WA) sent a letter
to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar,
Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, Small Business Committee
Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick
Rahall asking for hearings on H.R. 5088, America's
Commitment to Clean Water Act. This bill greatly expands
the scope of the Clean Water Act by removing the word “navigable” from its
current definition. As a result, every body
of water – from farmers’ irrigation canals, to streams, small ponds and
backyard muddle-puddles – could suddenly be subjected to sweeping new federal
regulations and permitting. This vast expansion of government authority
would threaten jobs, increase costs for farmers and small businesses, and
impact local water storage and delivery systems. Letter excerpts: "Although
the bill has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee, this far-reaching legislation would have a great impact on Western
irrigation projects, farming and ranching operations, mining and small
businesses that are within the jurisdiction of the Committees of which you
are Chairs and we Ranking Members. At a time when creating and protecting
jobs should be our top priority, we need to gain a full understanding of the
effects that this bill will have on the economies of rural communities and
the nation as a whole.” *** “We
understand that a commitment was made last year to hold hearings on new
legislation aimed at increasing federal water regulations. Unfortunately, no
hearings have been scheduled on H.R. 5088…In fact, according to the Bureau of
National Affairs, a Democrat majority staff member has explicitly stated
"no hearings would be held." This is disconcerting and we hope it
is not indicative of how this bill will be considered and debated in this
body.” *** “The
American people deserve more openness and transparency in our government. We
stand ready to work with you to ensure that the voice
of the people is heard on this legislation.” Click here to read the full text of letter.
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