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Read. Follow. Verify.Senate Hearing on 'Waters of the U.S.' Regulations
Record date · January 1, 2019
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What This Bill Does
This document is a transcript of a 2019 Senate joint committee hearing regarding federal regulations defining 'Waters of the United States' () under the Clean Water Act. The hearing examined how these definitions impact state authority, agricultural operations, and land use.
The hearing explores the scope of federal authority to regulate water bodies, which determines whether landowners, farmers, and local governments need federal permits for activities on their property.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Farmers and Ranchers
Federal water definitions determine whether agricultural activities on their land require federal permits.
State and Local Governments
The scope of federal jurisdiction impacts the extent of local land-use authority and state-level water management.
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on June 12, 2019, by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife.
- The primary subject was the definition of 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) and its impact on states and citizens.
- Witnesses included representatives from state agriculture departments, farm bureaus, and county government.
- The record includes a 2016 Senate report on the expansion of jurisdiction claimed by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers.
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- The record includes multiple letters from industry groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Home Builders, regarding the regulations.
- The record includes letters from environmental organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Parks Conservation Association.
- The record includes a May 2019 court order from the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, regarding EPA litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) rule?
Why were these witnesses invited to testify?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Regulatory Tension
The hearing highlights a clear divide between industry groups seeking narrower federal jurisdiction and environmental groups advocating for broader federal protection of water bodies.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance80How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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