GOP senator urges withdrawal of water rule

Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) urged the Obama administration to withdraw a proposal to establish federal jurisdiction over bodies of water.

Boozman argued that the regulation, known as the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, would amount to federal overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers.

{mosads}”This proposed rule will give Washington virtually unlimited authority over all state and local waters. It’s an unprecedented takeover perpetrated by abuse of the rule making process,” Boozman said.

In September, the House passed a bill that would prohibit the administration from using the proposal for any rule-making under the Clean Water Act.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy has said the rule does not significantly expand the agency’s existing authority over bodies of water.