Thompson Questions EPA Administrator on Controversial ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule

Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson

Washington, DC – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, participated in an oversight hearing to consider the impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s actions on the rural economy. The hearing received testimony from Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C.

Thompson questioned Administrator McCarthy on the EPA’s “Waters of the United States,” or WOTUS proposed ruling, which aimed to drastically expand the federal government’s role under the Clean Water Act. In October 2015, a federal court issued a ruling that stopped implementation of WOTUS until it issued a final decision. In late 2015, the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the EPA broke federal laws through its promotion of the rule on social media, directing Internet users to websites of organizations that supported the rule.

At conclusion of the hearing, Thompson issued the following statement:

“Despite the courts putting a hold on EPA’s plans, they continue to pursue this disastrous regulation. I remain deeply concerned about the potential impact upon farming, flood control, energy production and infrastructure projects. The EPA’s treatment of the court ruling and GAO’s finding as a simple ‘disagreement’ shows the complete lack of willingness by the administration to work with stakeholders on measures that would actually produce environmental benefit in a cooperative and collaborative manner, rather than the top-down and punitive approach that has become all too common.”

To watch today’s hearing, click here.