Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, and other Members of Congress, at an agency announcement clarifying what constitutes a ‘water of the United States’ under the Clean Water Act.

Up until now, landowners, developers, and farmers, have been forced to operate in an environment marked by burdensome federal overreach. The EPA’s proposed rule gives Americans much needed certainty.

Read Rep. Messmer’s full remarks at the rule unveiling here:

“Good morning to everyone here today and thank you Administrator Zeldin for extending the invitation to participate in today’s ground-breaking announcement.

“The lack of clarity around “waters of the United States” has plagued American homeowners, farmers, and developers for decades.

“Instead of working to improve the quality of our lakes, rivers, and wetlands, this failed regulatory language has hamstrung backyards across America in regulatory confusion.

“Under the WOTUS obscurity, Hoosier farmers working their lands and families renovating their homes have been served fines and court dates their actions never warranted.

“Conservationists, producers, and residents across Indiana’s 8th Congressional District are experts in managing their local resources.

“These local leaders, especially in our beautiful state of Indiana, know how to protect our environment best.

“And after working for several years in the Indiana legislature on state WOTUS regulations, I know how desperately in need of reform this policy is.

“Today’s announcement concludes an era marked by overregulation and deference to faceless bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

“I applaud Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for their efforts to gather commentary from stakeholders across the nation, including Hoosier leaders.

“This is precisely how federal regulations should be developed.

“By leveraging the time-tried expertise of those impacted by “WOTUS” failures, EPA has reached a robust definition and a just framework that finally offers landowners the clarity they deserve.

“I look forward to a continued partnership with President Trump and Administrator Zeldin as we roll out policies that reflect the insight of the American people and reform regulations that have handcuffed our communities for far too long.

“Thank you.

“God bless Indiana, and God bless America.”

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is supporting our community in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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