Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers final “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule. This rule further obscures the original intent of the Clean Water Act (CWA) by significantly expanding waters subject to federal jurisdiction.

“By asserting federal control over waters as small as mud puddles and backyard ditches, the Obama administration has yet again grossly expanded the power of the federal government at the expense of hardworking Americans. Tennessee farmers and small business owners should not be forced to comply with over complicated regulations put in place by out of touch Washington officials. That is why the House of Representatives recently passed legislation that reigns in the EPA and protects private property from arduous regulations that stunt job growth and economic stability.”