Craig Richardson, president of the Energy & Environment Legal Institute, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s signing of an executive order instructing that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule:

President Donald Trump broke down a major barrier to economic growth and job creation today with his executive order on the ‘Waters of the U.S.’ (WOTUS) rule. By calling for the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to re-examine the rule, President 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 so expansive and intrusive that the EPA has the authority to regulate 99 percent or more of the land in states including Montana and Missouri. How can a farmer, rancher or property owner be expected to make a living or grow a business if any low-lying area and the land around is subject to government regulation because it fills with water anytime it rains?

By issuing this executive order, President Trump is once again following through on his campaign promise to reduce those regulations which have stifled job creation. The WOTUS rule is a major roadblock to economic growth, and it’s time for it go.

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