Senate Hearing on 'Waters of the U.S.' Regulations
January 1, 2019
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The Frame
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.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
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.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2019.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
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.
- 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?
Why It Matters
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.
News Coverage
Sponsors
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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