by Alex Newman
New American
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday ordering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review and reconsider the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) regulation, a radical decree issued by the Obama administration purporting to regulate virtually all water and much of the land across America. While stopping short of quashing the controversial rule altogether, analysts described Trump’s executive order as a first step in that process. One prominent activist, Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch, called the decision “the most pro-property rights move out of D.C. in two decades.” But there may be more to come; the latest order came amid reports that Trump is readying another executive order to dismantle Obama’s “climate” regulations purporting to limit emissions of the “gas of life” carbon dioxide…
Non-profit organizations working to protect markets, the environment, and freedom celebrated Trump’s order, too. “President Trump broke down a major barrier to economic growth and job creation today with his executive order,” said Craig Richardson, president of the Energy & Environment Legal Institute (E&E Legal). “Trump is bringing much needed common sense back to the EPA. Re-examining this rule means America’s farmers, property owners, and small business owners should not have to worry whether or not the regulation of everything from mud puddles to cattle ponds will stand in the way of conducting their daily business…. The WOTUS rule is a major roadblock to economic growth, and it’s time for it go.”
