House Panel Fast-Tracks Bill to Strip EPA Regulatory Power Over Water

"After a brief but rancorous debate, a House committee approved a fast-tracked bill that would shift regulatory powers over water, wetlands and mountaintop-mining regulation from U.S. EPA to the states.

In a 35-19, largely party-line vote, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this morning approved the bill (H.R. 2018 (pdf)) backed by the top Republican and Democrat on the committee, Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) and Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.).

Four other Democrats also joined in support: Reps. Jason Altmire (Pa.), Leonard Boswell (Iowa), Jerry Costello (Ill.) and Tim Holden (Pa.).

But the measure ran into stiff resistance from the majority of committee Democrats, including Rep. Tim Bishop of New York. Bishop is the ranking member on the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Clean Water Act, which the bill seeks to amend. Rep. Timothy Johnson (Ill.) was the only Republican who voted against the bill."

Paul Quinlan reports for Greenwire June 22, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Dirty Water: It's a State's Right!" (Mother Jones)

"Pesticide Spraying Near Streams To Expand Under Congressional Bill" (Los Angeles Times)

"Homeowners' Wells Tainted by Banned Insecticide" (Orlando Sentinel)