http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/10/21/gop-lawmakers-grill-epa-on-water-reg-power-grab/?intcmp=latestnewsCalling the plan a "massive power grab," Republican lawmakers are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to explain why it’s in such a rush to implement a federal regulation which they argue could have a major impact on private property rights.
At issue are new federal rules pertaining to the Clean Water Act. The EPA says it’s working on new regulations because there is confusion about small streams and wetlands, "some of which only flow after precipitation or dry up during parts of the year."
It's that focus on ever-changing water sources that has critics worried, fearful that stormwater left after a heavy rain could subject millions of private property owners to EPA regulation.
Reps. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, and Chris Stewart, R-Utah, say the EPA is moving too quickly and without adequate congressional input.
In a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the lawmakers said the agency's approach "appears to represent a rushed, politicized regulatory process lacking the proper consultation with the scientific peer reviewers and the American people."
But the agency says it’s not looking to impose additional regulation on property owners.Riiiiight. It won't take long before they come up with another boatload of regulation.
