Energy Scorecard

The Senate is set to vote on several amendments to the FY2017 Energy & Water Development Appropriations bill. Sen. Hoeven is offering an amendment blocking funds from being used to implement the administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The American Energy Alliance urges all Senators to vote YES on the Hoeven WOTUS amendment. The Waters of the United States rule would allow federal agencies significant authority to regulate nearly all bodies of water, including small streams, ditches, and the like. This rule stretches far beyond the Constitution and warps the intent of the Clean Water Act. Expanding the definition of what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can regulate amounts to nothing more than a property grab, and could potentially affect any American property owner. Sen. Hoeven’s amendment would prohibit the USACE from using funds to implement the WOTUS rule. This appropriations rider would effectively block the rule and send a strong message to the administration that the American people oppose this power grab. AEA urges all Senators to support private property rights by voting YES on the Hoeven amendment to block WOTUS.