releases: https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=6ae4bf94-0539-4a2a-8600-90ab9ff62ea0
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| https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=6ae4bf94-0539-4a2a-8600-90ab9ff62ea0 | Heller: WOTUS will devastate Nevada landowners and businesses. | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | NV | Dean Heller | H001041 | www.heller.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, DC) Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) spoke on the Senate floor, regarding his opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) finalized Clean Water Rule, also known as Waters of the United States (WOTUS). This regulation greatly expands federal control over water by declaring that ditches and other standing water sources be considered navigable waters. Such regulations will impact private property rights, as well as numerous industries ability to create jobs, including farming, ranching, commercial development, small business, construction, and domestic energy production. Click HERE or below to watch Senator Hellers speech. Background: Senator Heller is a cosponsor of the Federal Water Quality Protection Act (S. 1140), legislation that requires the EPA and the USACE to redo WOTUS and consider stakeholder input something they have completely ignored in the past. Senator Heller supported S.J.RES.22, a joint resolution of disapproval which would nullify the Obama Administrations final rule.That resolution, which Senator Heller also cosponsored at introduction, passed the United States Senate earlier today. Remarks as prepared: Mr. President, I rise today to speak on an issue that will impact every single one of my colleagues constituencies - namely the Environmental Protection Agencys and Army Corps of Engineers new definition for navigable waters. Also known as Waters of the U.S., this overreaching and burdensome regulation is bad for Nevada and bad for the nation. My home state of Nevada is one of the driest states in the nation, and water is a precious resource. The only thing more scarce than water in the Silver State is private property. The implementation of this Waters of the U.S. rule will only do more harm to both of these. Since coming to Congress one of my primary goals has been to promote job-creating policies that grow Nevadas economy, and the key to promoting these types of policies is to cut red tape regulations handed down by Washington bureaucrats. Unfortunately, time and time again this Administration is bound and determined to issue overly burdensome regulations that damage the economy and stifle job creation. This latest edict from Washington bureaucrats is no different. After years of failed legislative attempts to change the scope of regulatory authority over water, this Administration has overturned both Congressional intent and multiple Supreme Court decisions to further overregulate hardworking Nevadans. I have long been an outspoken advocate and cosponsor of Senator Barrassos legislation - The Federal Water Quality Protection Act - which would make the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers redo this rule and consider stakeholder input; something they completely ignored the last time around. Mr. President, considering that nearly 87 percent of my home states land is managed by the federal government who I often refer to as our federal landlords, its easy to see why this rule is thought of by many back home as yet another federal land grab. Ive heard from many of my constituents who have shared with me their staunch opposition to this rule, like Marlow from Ruby Valley, and Darryl from Yerington. They write about the rule and I quote -creates confusion and risk by providing the Agencies with almost unlimited authority to regulate, at their discretion, any low spot where rainwater collects, including common farm ditches, ephemeral drainages, agricultural ponds and isolated wetlands found in and near farms and ranching. The EPA may tell you that farmers and ranchers are protected from this regulation by exemptions under the Clean Water Act. The problem with this so-called exemption is, if you have made any changes to your farm or ranch since 1977 that impacts any water or land, you dont qualify for an exemption from this rule. And under this new rule, almost all water could be regulated. Ranching is the backbone of Nevadas rural economy, and implementation of this rule will devastate Nevada landowners and businesses. Like Marlow and Darryl I believe this rule needs to be re-done with significant input from local stakeholders, and in a way that will not impact the ability of Nevada ranchers to provide food for Americans. Unfortunately the Senate was not even able to proceed to this measure and debate legislation to exert some much-needed oversight over the EPA. Although I was sad to see that vote fail, today I am proud to stand in support of Senator Ernsts resolution of disapproval, which will send this regulation back to the Administration and send a clear message that Congress doesnt accept overreaching regulations created by Washington bureaucrats The fact is, Mr. President, the implementation of this rule has already been halted by federal courts. I strongly believe that, at the end of the day, the Courts will decide to overturn this onerous regulation. That is why I stand here today to urge my colleagues to support this resolution of disapproval. Instead of waiting years for the courts to decide, Congress needs to take immediate action to show this Administration that we will not stand for anymore regulations that kill jobs and stifle economic growth. Good stewardship of our natural resources is part of Nevadas character that makes it so unique. This is not about dirty water, or a rollback of the Clean Water Act. This is about a federal regulation that severely limits land use, infringes on property rights, and diminishes economic activity in Nevada and nationwide. This is about federal regulatory overreach by an agency that is using the Clean Water Act as a means to greatly increase its authority. At a time when the American public is still waiting for answers on the Animas River spill in Colorado I find it greatly disturbing that this agency is using clean drinking water as an excuse to gain authority over all waters in the U.S. Enough with the power trips. Should we really trust the Environmental Pollution Agency with this? As a sportsman I grew up understanding the importance of being a good steward to our environment. I support efforts that balance conservation and economic growth, and that is why I again urge my colleagues to stand with me against this Administrations heavy handed mandates. Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |