Washington,
DC (March 24, 2015) – The National
Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is urging members of the Senate
to approve an amendment that may come up today blocking the EPA from regulating
farm ponds, seasonal streams and other incidental waters that don’t belong
under federal jurisdiction.
“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act it
specifically confined federal jurisdiction to navigable waterways,” said NFIB CEO and President Dan Danner. “The EPA can’t be allowed to expand its own
authority to include every pond, creek and stream in the United States.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
expected to approve this year a massive expansion of the Clean Waters Act to
include even small formations on private property. For local business owners that means
expensive permitting fees, environmental consulting fees and potentially
devastating penalties for improving their properties without federal approval.
“If you want to expand a parking lot or a building
that might affect water on your own property you’ll have to apply to the
EPA. You’ll have to pay for a
permit. You’ll have to pay for a
survey. You’ll have to wait for their
approval,” said Danner. “And if you fail
to do all of that before improving the property, the EPA can fine you tens of thousands of dollars.”
The Senate this week is debating a budget
resolution, during which process members can propose amendments. The Barrasso amendment to clarify the
definition of waters of the United States, which has strong support, could come
up as soon as today.
“This is a chance for members who say they care
about small business and who claim to be concerned about regulatory overreach
to do something about it,” said Danner.
Earlier today NFIB sent a letter to members of the
Senate listing Senator Barrasso’s amendment as one of its top priorities.
For more information about NFIB please visit www.nfib.com.
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