The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council, along with 42 state affiliate organizations, have sent a letter to the House of Representatives urging support of Senate Joint Resolution 22, disapproval of the EPA and Army Corps’ “waters of the United States” rule. NCBA President Philip Ellis, said withdrawal or defunding of WOTUS remains a top priority for cattlemen.

“The WOTUS rule is one of the most onerous land grabs undertaken by any regulator,” said Ellis. “The WOTUS rule extends beyond Congressional intent and would affect not only ranchers, but every land use stakeholder nationwide. This rule is not about preserving our nation’s resources, it’s about an overzealous regulatory administration.”

In November, the Senate voted in 53-44 in bi-partisan support of S.J.Res. 22. Since that time, the Government Accountability Office released their legal opinion finding that the EPA violated federal law by engaging in covert propaganda and grassroots lobbying in support of the WOTUS rule.

“Both chambers of Congress have acted in a bi-partisan way to block the WOTUS rule,” said Ellis. “With the GAO’s confirmation of the flaws in the rulemaking process and illegal actions by the EPA, it is time to withdraw this rule. Ranchers have been spared from the effect of this rule through a temporary stay by the courts, but it’s time for Congress to act.”