Representative Raúl Labrador (R-ID) announced today that he is cosponsoring H.R. 3377, the Defense of Environment and Property Act.  This bill would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from aggressively expanding its regulatory authority over local bodies of waters and surrounding property.

The Obama administration has been seeking to expand EPA’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA) from “navigable waters” to “waters of the United States” – a move that, if implemented, would increase the number of waters subject to federal water quality standards, adding costs for Idaho farmers and small business owners.

H.R. 3377 clarifies existing law so that Idaho property owners can move forward without fear of an EPA power grab. Labrador was an original cosponsor of identical legislation in the 112^th Congress, H.R. 4304. 

“The Obama EPA is once again scheming to expand its power, violate our constitutional rights, and create a climate of uncertainty that will damage Idaho’s economy,” Labrador said.  “Bureaucrats in Washington should not have regulatory power over puddles, ditches, and other water sources that have no connection to interstate commerce.  The EPA needs to be reined in.  H.R. 3377 will impose common sense on an agency that desperately needs it and protect private property owners.  I’m pleased to support it.”

To read the full text of H.R. 3377, click here.