Majority of US House opposes new EPA water rule | Food and Environment Reporting Network

Some 231 U.S. representatives, including 18 committee chairmen, signed a letter asking the Obama administration to withdraw a proposed rule on federal jurisdiction over waterways, says Drovers CattleNetwork. The signers, predominantly Republican, constitute 53 pct of House members. A prominent Democratic signer is Collin Peterson, the Democratic leader on the Agriculture Committee.

The letter, a show of force by opponents, says EPA proposal would expand federal jurisdiction and is flawed in several ways, so “we ask this rule be withdrawn and returned to your agencies.”

EPA unveiled the proposal on March 28, saying it would comply with Supreme Court rulings. “We are clarifying protection for the upstream waters that are absolutely vital to downstream communities,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in a statement. The agency has opened a 90-day comment period on the rule.

To read the lawmakers’ letter, click here. For EPA’s description of the rule and its application, click here.