WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) voted yes on H.J. Res. 27, a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act that would overturn the Biden administration’s final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The Biden administration’s WOTUS rule expands the federal government’s jurisdiction over America’s waterways under the Clean Water Act. This will have a large impact on small businesses, farmers, water districts, homebuilders, and private property owners.  

“As a lifelong farmer, I know firsthand the challenges government overreach places on the day-to-day operations of farms and businesses,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Biden administration’s WOTUS rule will further burden our farmers, ranchers, and small businesses in the Central Valley and hinder our ability to grow food for the nation. I will continue fighting to put an end to this federal overreach and regulatory uncertainty.”

Background:

Congressman Valadao has made several efforts to stop the Biden administration from overturning the Navigable Waters Rule, which provided state and local governments greater authority in managing their own water sources by removing certain waters from federal jurisdiction and regulation.

1. In April 2021, Congressman Valadao co-sponsored a resolution to uphold the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule.
2. In July 2021, Congressman Valadao joined in a letter to EPA Administrator and the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to express concern and demand answers when the Biden administration announced their intention to remand the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.
3. In March 2022, Congressman Valadao urged the EPA to halt rulemaking until a decision was made on Sackett v. EPA regarding the definition of WOTUS.
4. In April 2022, Congressman Valadao joined an amicus brief in support of landowners in the WOTUS Supreme Court case Sackett v. EPA.
5. In January 2023, Congressman Valadao joined a letter to the EPA Administrator and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works demanding they rescind the rule and postpone action on WOTUS until an opinion was issued in Sackett v. EPA.