Hageman Votes to Disapprove Disastrous Waters of the United States Act

Today, Harriet Hageman voted in favor of the disapproval of the Waters of the United States Act. The consequence of passing a disapproval resolution is that changes to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule will have no force or effect. WOTUS defines what waters qualify for protection under the Clean Water Act. On Dec. 30, 2022, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the revised definition of WOTUS rule, and it goes into effect Mar. 20, 2023.

Congresswoman Hageman stated, "As an attorney, I have fought for over twenty-five years to protect water rights and stop unlawful rules enacted by our federal government. In Congress I am continuing that fight. The feds have far exceeded their authority under WOTUS and have expanded on the original law by redefining what is a "navigable body of water", rescinding changes made to WOTUS under the Trump administration, and increasing regulation of waters that would not be navigable under any circumstances. In many instances, these new and punitive regulations are a de facto taking of private property. Wyoming famers, ranchers, builders, energy producers, and small business owners (among others) across the state would suffer significantly if these changes to WOTUS were enacted. This is just one more example of an out-of-control Washington bureaucracy intruding into our personal lives and seeking to diminish our property rights."

Contact: Chris Berardi, Senior Advisor/Communications Director