Hoeven Statement on Today's Extension of the Comment Period for the Waters of the U.S. Rule

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement in response to the administration’s decision to extend the comment period for its proposed Waters of the United States rule:

“The Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it will extend the comment period for the Waters of the United States rule until November 14, which I believe is in response to strong public opposition to it. While extending the comment period to allow for more input is fine, the fact is that the EPA needs to rescind the rule. The agency is asserting jurisdiction beyond that which has been granted to it by Congress.

“The Waters of the U.S. rule will heavily burden not just farmers and ranchers, but also the energy industry, construction industry and many other industry sectors. It will also create challenges for the state of North Dakota Department of Transportation, which is working to build much needed infrastructure in western North Dakota.

“I will continue my efforts to either de-authorize the rule or defund it as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.”

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