PCA Applauds House Action to Block EPA’s Power Grab

WASHINGTON, D.C. – By a 261-155 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation that would stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) from greatly expanding their regulatory powers under the Clean Water Act (CWA). 

By changing the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) the proposed rule would expand the Agencies’ authorities to unprecedented levels, threatening private property rights and economic development. H.R. 1732, the “Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015,” would force EPA and the Corp to develop a new proposal that respects the jurisdictional limitations imposed by Congress and affirmed by the Supreme Court.  

“We’re gratified to see the House of Representatives stand up to EPA’s overreach by setting a more reasonable path where states, industry, and other stakeholders can work together to protect water quality,” said James G. Toscas, PCA president and CEO.

On numerous occasions, PCA has urged EPA and the Corps to withdraw the proposed WOTUS rule and work with stakeholders to develop a proposal that respects the will of Congress and the Supreme Court. By directing withdrawal of the Agencies’ proposal, the “Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015” initiates a process that will achieve this balance while ensuring environmental protection. 

“We take environmental compliance very seriously, and this vague and arbitrary approach would make that job more difficult,” said Toscas. “It is so ambiguous that it could include something as minor as a temporary pool of water that forms after a rainstorm, with determinations made on a case-by-case basis. The industry looks forward to working with the EPA, state and local officials and other partners on the development of reasonable water guidelines.”

About PCA
Headquartered in Skokie, Illinois with offices in Washington, D.C., PCA represents America’s cement manufacturers, serving as a powerful and vocal advocate for sustainability, jobs creation, economic growth, sound infrastructure investment, and overall innovation and excellence in construction throughout the U.S.  More information on PCA is available at www.cement.org.