Yesterday the House passed the H.R. 1732 Regulatory Integrity Protection Act by a vote of 261 to 155 to withdraw the proposed “waters of the United States” rule. Here is a statement by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Chugwater, Wyoming, cattleman Philip Ellis:

“We commend the members of the House on taking this action to protect America’s farmers, ranchers and land stewards from this Administration’s overzealous regulatory agenda. The proposed rule that the EPA and Army Corps’ are working quickly to finalize would put yet another regulatory burden on the rural economy and private landowners. This action by Congress will ensure that our private lands remain viable and productive, leaving landowners free to undertake stewardship and production decisions without interference by the EPA and the Administration. We urge the Senate to pass their companion legislation and send this to the President’s desk.”

Statement by Public Lands C President and Idaho rancher Brenda Richards:

“Public lands ranchers and landowners in the west are the best stewards of their land, water, and resources. This proposed rule by the EPA and the Army Corps’ is not only the largest land grab undertaken by this Administration, it has no basis in protecting our precious water resources. The Administration’s regulatory rampage across the west must stop. We look forward to passage of this legislation, which will require the EPA and the Corps’ to work with stakeholders to clarify the Clean Water Act in a way that works for those closest to the land. This needs to be a process that starts at the grassroots, not a process dictated upon us by those with no connection to the land and economic reality.”