Ayotte Votes to Protect New Hampshire From Washington Overreach on Water Rule

Press Release

Based on input from New Hampshire citizens and businesses, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte today announced her opposition to a final rule that would dramatically expand the federal government's jurisdiction over U.S. waters. She voted in support of bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw and revise the final "Waters of the United States" rule to take into account concerns from states, communities, and other local stakeholders. The legislation failed by a 57-41 vote, falling short of the 60 votes required to advance.

"I have heard from farmers, home builders, small businesses, and property owners across our state who have serious concerns that this flawed and confusing rule is overly broad and would impose significant costs, legal uncertainty, and unnecessary compliance burdens on them," said Ayotte. "Even the Small Business Administration has weighed in and called for the rule to be withdrawn and reevaluated because of its "direct, significant effects' on small businesses. We can protect our clean water without this unnecessary federal overreach, which many are concerned would allow Washington to regulate ponds, ditches, and other non-navigable waters throughout New Hampshire and the nation."

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