Congressman Zinke Votes to Nullify WOTUS Ruling – Urges Senate

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke voted to nullify the rule titled Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States," which was submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 18, 2023. The rule specifies which bodies of water fall under the scope of the Clean Water Act and are thereby under federal jurisdiction. The 2023 rule replaced a 2020 rule that included a narrower definition of waters of the United States.

“The last thing Montanans need is the government telling them how to manage their mud puddles,” Zinke said. “WOTUS is one of the largest, most egregious overreaches on private property rights we will ever see, and every action to repeal and defund it must be taken immediately. Most people in D.C. have no clue where the Yellowstone River begins and ends – much less have the grasp ways it impacts private property. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support the will of Congress in voting to protect America’s farmers, ranchers and property owners by rescinding the EPA’s ambiguous WOTUS ruling. Nobody knows how to manage Montana water like Montanans.”

Farmer from Conrad and Montana Farm Bureau President Cyndi Johnson said, “MFBF has been battling back bad WOTUS rules that far exceed the EPA’s statutory authority since 2015. Despite the concerns voiced from out in the country, the EPA came out with yet another version of the rule, subjecting farmers to complicated and overreaching regulations. We sincerely appreciate Representative Zinke’s efforts to stop the implementation of this latest rule. He understands that farmers and ranchers want clean water and deserve clear rules. His support of HJ Res 27 shows that he stands with Montana farmers and ranchers.” 

Background: 

Under federal law, Congress can implement the Congressional Review Act (CRA) which allows a newly elected Congress to vote to overturn recent major rules and regulations implemented by the Administration. If the House passes a CRA resolution, the Senate is required to take it up. In the Senate, a CRA does not require a 60-vote threshold – only a simple majority. With two Democrats out indefinitely for health reasons they do not have the majority, leaving only one Democrat required to vote with Republicans to send the CRA to the President’s desk.

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