U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final “waters of the U.S.” rule:

“I am greatly disappointed, but unfortunately not surprised, by today’s announcement,” said Davis. “This is yet another example of the EPA ignoring the concerns of our farmers and failing to understand the real-life impact of their rules and regulations. The finalization of this rule further highlights the need and urgency for creating an agriculture subcommittee on the EPA Science Advisory Board to give agriculture a stronger voice in the regulatory process. I will continue to push for the withdraw of this flawed rule and ensure the EPA gives our farmers a seat at the table.”

In the 2014 Farm Bill, Davis authored an amendment that would create the first ever agriculture-related subcommittee to the EPA’s Science Advisory Board. The EPA began the process of establishing the subcommittee last month and Davis continues to oversee this process to ensure the congressional intent of his provision is met. Video of Davis discussing the EPA’s progress with Administrator Gina McCarthy at a committee hearing earlier this year can be seen here.

Additionally, the House passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which requires the EPA to withdraw this rule and develop a new proposal that takes into consideration more than one million public comments on the rule, the economic analysis of the rule, and discussions with state and local governments. Video of Davis speaking in support of the bill can be seen here.