{"bills":[{"photos":{"featured":"https://assets.causes.com/bill/photo/sjres22-114/featured_a-joint-resolution-providing-for-congressional-disapproval-under-chapter-8-of-title-5-united-states-code-of-the-1454551706.jpg","featured_large":"https://assets.causes.com/bill/photo/sjres22-114/featured_large_a-joint-resolution-providing-for-congressional-disapproval-under-chapter-8-of-title-5-united-states-code-of-the-1454551706.jpg","shareable":"https://n.causes.com/share-images/bills/sjres22-114.png"},"introduced_on":"2015-09-17","title_override":"Axing the EPA’s ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Rule","summary_override":"

This joint resolution would nullify a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers clarifying which of “waters of the United States” can be regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

The Clean Water Rule in question protects streams and wetlands, and was published in the Federal Register in June 2015. It came into effect two months later.

The rule broadens the definition of “waters of the U.S.” to expand federal authority over waterways (like tributaries and adjacent waters) that impact the quality of water downstream.

Concerns have been expressed that the definition is so broad that the EPA could regulate irrigation ditches or standing water on private or state property. The rule is supported by many environmental groups, as it would clear up a gray area over what is covered by the CWA — adding two million miles of streams and 20 million acres of wetlands.

As a joint resolution, this legislation would have the full force of law if passed by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President.

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The summary of that version is repeated here.)\n\nThis joint resolution nullifies the rule submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of \"waters of the United States\" under the Clean Water Act and published on June 29, 2015.","summarized":true,"cost":null,"cost_commentary":"A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.","impact":"Farmers, businesses, and other property owners affected by the “waters of the U.S.” rule; states; the Corps of Engineers; and the EPA.","argument_for":"The “waters of the U.S.” rule is an example of regulatory overreach by the EPA and the Corps of Engineers. It not only infringes on property owners’ rights, but will raise costs for farmers and business owners.","argument_against":"Both the EPA and the Corps of Engineers need the authority of this new rule to protect two million miles of streams and 20 million acres of wetlands. 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Allowing money & politics to interfere with the future of our drinking water & planet's health? Unbelievable!!!","show_argument_for":false,"show_argument_against":true,"upvote_count":0,"upvotes_for_count":null,"upvotes_against_count":0,"has_upvoted":false,"endorsement_count":0,"links":{"self":"https://www.causes.com/positions/ff0db8b9-f31d-4d96-8c0a-ccadc9ff4c9e"},"body":"How is this even possible? Allowing money & politics to interfere with the future of our drinking water & planet's health? Unbelievable!!!","stance":"nay","created_at":"2017-01-26T04:26:02.864Z","shareable_image_url":"https://n.causes.com/share-images/positions/ff0db8b9-f31d-4d96-8c0a-ccadc9ff4c9e.png","note_color":null,"note_text":null,"bill_id":"sjres22-114","user_id":"e9XErpqW","endorser_ids":[]}}

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Axing the EPA’s ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Rule