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Moolenaar: EPA's Misplaced Priorities Burden Michigan Farmers and Businesses, and Jeopardize the Great Lakes

May 27, 2015

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. announced its Waters of the United States rule. Representative John Moolenaar (R-Midland) released the following statement:

"When I hear from farmers in my district, this EPA rule is one of their top concerns. They are worried about the federal government coming to regulate ditches and mud puddles on their land. Republicans and Democrats alike have voted against this EPA proposal, and we will continue to fight for the thousands of men and women working in Michigan agriculture to ensure they are able to farm their land and run their businesses without being saddled by onerous rules and regulations.

"Instead of giving more power to bureaucrats, the EPA should focus on protecting real navigable waters, especially the Great Lakes. In February, the administration proposed cutting funding for protecting the Great Lakes, leaving them vulnerable to invasive species. The EPA's misplaced priorities jeopardize Michigan's tourism and fishing jobs. The EPA should focus on protecting the Great Lakes and not burden Michigan farms and businesses with more costly regulations."