Congressman Lamar Smith, Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, posted a series of maps he obtained via a FOIA request that EPA is using to plot wetlands.
Wetlands are a particularly sensitive issue right now as EPA evaluates its proposed rule to broaden what constitutes “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The new rule would bring huge new territory under EPA’s control under the Clean Water Act.
Smith wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in which he stated:
These maps show EPA’s plan: to control a huge amount of private property across the country. Given the astonishing picture they paint, I understand the EPA’s desire to minimize the importance of these maps. But the EPA’s posturing cannot explain away the alarming content of these documents. It’s time to give Americans a chance to make up their own minds about EPA’s intentions.
Smith called on EPA to publish the maps and include them in public comment on EPA’s WOTUS rule. He asked EPA to reset the clock for offering public comment to 60 days after EPA officially releases the maps to the public.
For many regions of the United States, it’s hard to find much land that these maps exclude from what EPA may consider wetlands.
Nancy Stoner
EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner defended the maps in a letter to Smith in which she said the maps were prepared, “to better understand the potential impacts of certain court decisions to aquatic resources, but not to depict the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act.”
Should American citizens concerned about how much of the land depicted in these maps EPA hopes to regulate under its new WOTUS rule be reassured by EPA’s recent record of moderation and restraint?
You can sign CFACT’s statement to EPA on the Water
s of the United States here. Unless EPA heeds Smith’s request and extends the deadline, we have until October 20th to sign on as many concerned citizens as possible.
This is completely unconstitutional. Essentially in breach of the 14th Amendment.
Tell the EPA to take a good sht for it self
It won’t be long before the EPA claims any land that the rain falls on.
The ENTIRE United States of America IS UNDER ATTACK by barry barack hussein soetoro obama, erik holder and their GOONS. They’ve DIVIDED Americans with so much crap that we aren’t able to be collectively AGAINST them because of all the thousands of “issues” they’ve created that affect us one and all. Some issues are MORE volatile than others but each of us takes issue with one or more of the legal juggernauts they’ve rammed down our throats. We’re being CHOKED TO DEATH by this evil administration that’s hell bent on “being god of the earth”. America is DYING as we sit on our butts and allow it.
Environmental Political Action. We all know what it takes to be appointed to higher offices wihtin the EPA.
Yeah—-screwing the little guy.
Sure; Be an IGNORANT ENVIRO-NAZI
We are letting government bureaucrats control our lives. In Atlanta local school systems have to ask permission to sell cookies and cup cakes to raise funds for PTA’s because of government regulations on calories given to students. I am preparing for the inevitable total control of our lives this Halloween when I give trick-or-treaters a carrot and piece of celery October 31.
James H. Rust, Professor
Your name is familiar, but I don’t know why.
A “wetland” is another name for a SWAMP.
Just how the heck can EPA define the vast MAJORITY of the US as SWAMPLAND???
Also, I thought the Clean Water Act was ONLY to regulate NAVIGABLE waterways, those upon which commercial shipping is possible. Don’t see too many barges running up and down the creeks on my property. LOL
This is just ONE MORE way this administration is trying to usurp MORE POWER over citizens everyday lives.
It’s time to JUST SAY NO!!! to the libtards.
Definition of a libtard-Communist, socialist, marxist, obama and his administration. I’m just waiting for the media to formally announce the USA is a Dicktatorship, it’s a little overdue.
If they regulate it & control it, then they are responsible for maintenance, health, pollution, upkeep, repair, disease control and on and on of the “waterways” and even the levels of the rivers and dams. Failing that, they will be personally sued off the face of the earth, facing big jail time. Not enough water in the canal for irrigation? SUE the EPA. Polluted water – SUE. Alligator filled canals in Florida? SUE. Aquifer dropping? SUE. They have to be careful, as they might just get what they ask for.
EPA MUST THINK THEY ARE THE IRS. SAW WHAT THEY HAVE ALREADY DONE
The only thing wet is the brain of these unelected, Communistic terrorists. We have to get rid of the judges who rule in support of this environmental terrorism.