Ranchers, farmers and landowners are applauding something the EPA did, which is news in itself.
And Western lawmakers are also cheering the government’s decision to stand down on a particularly divisive and destructive piece of regulating work, the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
The repeal of this rule by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers means no more confusion as to whether dry creek beds and streams were subject to EPA inspections and fines if it didn’t meet the same water standards as rivers flowing into the ocean.
It was a massive water power grab by the Obama administration, and a rule that Trump pledged to reckon with if elected.
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is pleased:
“The harmful impacts of the EPA’s Waters of the United States rule on Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and small business owners cannot be overstated,” said Gardner. “Colorado’s agriculture community is already facing hardship and it is welcome news that this over burdensome regulation will never go into effect. This decision was necessary to protect Colorado’s economy and put a stop to Washington’s unconstitutional takeover of our state’s rivers, streams, and local waterways.”
We haven’t seen a statement yet from Bennet, but predict that he will continue to be disappointed that Washington isn’t controlling Colorado’s water.