Press

WOTUS Hearing

Senator Fischer questioning EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at today’s hearing.
Click Here to watch video from today’s hearing.

WASHINGTON – At a bicameral hearing today before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) called for retracting the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that would expand federal regulation of water in Nebraska.  She released the following statement after the hearing:

“The proposed WOTUS rule is a direct attack on the people of Nebraska. Through this unprecedented proposal, the EPA is seeking to impose mandates, and thereby control our state’s water resources. This will have far-reaching consequences and hurt growth, jobs, Nebraska families, and our economy. This is wrong and I will continue to fight against it.”

During her questioning of EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at today’s hearing, Senator Fischer highlighted concerns raised by the League of Nebraska Municipalities. Specifically, Senator Fischer asked Administrator McCarthy to commit that the final rule would not assert federal control over water based on groundwater connections. Fischer also asked the administrator to clarify exemptions related to municipal storm sewer systems.

Under the proposal, the federal government would attempt to establish jurisdiction over isolated waters based on groundwater connections. Because of Nebraska’s extensive aquifer system, the federal government could potentially assert control over nearly all waters in the state. 

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