Heller’s resolution to block ‘Waters of the U.S.’ expansion passes Senate

A Senate resolution that would nullify the so-called “Waters of the U.S.” expansion of the Clean Waters Act was approved by the Senate Wednesday.

Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., said the plan to expand federal control over waters of the nation would devastate landowners and businesses.

He said the Army Corps of Engineers plan would declare even ditches and other standing minor water sources be considered “navigable,” thereby claiming control over any actions taken on those water sources.

“This is not about dirty water or a rollback of the Clean Water Act,” said Heller. “This is about a federal regulation that severely limits land use, infringes on property rights and diminished economic activity in Nevada and nationwide.”

Heller has co-sponsored the Federal Water Quality Protection Act he says requires the Environmental Protection Agency and the Corps of Engineers to redo the so-called “Waters of the U.S.” to consider stakeholder input — “something they have completely ignored in the past.”

He also cosponsored Senate Joint Resolution 22, which would nullify the final rule. That resolution is on its way to the House of Representatives.