SE North Carolina News

Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC) and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) have issued a joint statement in anticipation of the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case on May 25, 2023. The ruling has had notable implications for the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

"One year ago, the Supreme Court Sackett ruling provided a clear and decisive win for America’s farmers, small businesses, property owners, and those who help build our infrastructure," stated Rouzer and Graves. "To no one’s surprise, Sackett correctly upended the Biden Administration’s illegal and overreaching WOTUS rule."

They further criticized the Administration's response to the ruling: "Unfortunately, instead of truly going back to the drawing board and devising a reasonable rule that takes into account numerous stakeholder concerns, the Administration has mostly ignored Sackett and continues to push the essence of its initial flawed rule, circumventing the Supreme Court’s clear decision."

Rouzer and Graves expressed concern about ongoing regulatory uncertainty: "The Administration’s refusal to accept the clear law of the land post-Sackett has led to more confusion and a new round of legal challenges. In the meantime, however, our farmers, small businesses, and property owners are being left in regulatory limbo, uncertain how to responsibly comply with the Clean Water Act."

They concluded by urging action from the Administration: "After a year, it’s time for the Administration to heed the Sackett ruling and stop trying to force their desire and absolute will to regulate every drop of water in the country."