Press Releases

Today, Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) expressed his concerns over the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) “Nonpoint Source Management Plan” and interactions with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed “Waters of the United States” rule. Smith has voiced sharp criticism over the EPA rule change that could give the federal agency control over every pond, gully, dry creek bed, irrigation ditch, puddle or other similar collection of water. Now Smith is concerned that Missouri DNR is becoming a proxy for the EPA’s “Waters of the United States” rule by setting new state regulations with the “Nonpoint Source Management Plan.”

In the letter to Missouri DNR Director Sarah Parker Pauley, Smith expressed his concerns with the “Nonpoint Source Management Plan.”

“I write to you today to express my concerns regarding the interaction between the EPA’s recently proposed “Waters of the United States” rule and the Missouri DNR’s “Nonpoint Source Management Plan.” My opposition to the new EPA rule has been up-front and public. I think the rule is misguided, poorly drafted and a blatant attempt to extend authority of the EPA into areas where is has not be previously. Any regulations created by the State of Missouri pursuant to the Clean Water Act should be crafted as if this regulation were not pending, to protect Missouri’s citizens from the EPA’s attempts to erode private property rights.”

Click HERE to read Smith’s full letter to Missouri DNR.

Smith also cautioned Missouri DNR from simply acting as a proxy for the EPA.

“I also write today in the hope that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is not simply issuing this “Nonpoint Source Management Plan” as a proxy of the EPA. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is much better situated to deal with Missouri waters that the Environmental Protection Agency – I urge your agency to reject the EPA’s proposed “Waters of the United States” rule and instead focus on protecting the private property rights of Missourians.”

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