Wisconsin Joins Other States In Attempt To Block Federal Water Rules

Attorney General Says EPA Has Overstepped Its Authority

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Wisconsin has joined a multi-state lawsuit trying to block a federal rule designed to protect small and temporary bodies of water.

The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ “Waters of the United States” rule attempts to clarify protections for small streams and pools of water that may only exist for parts of the year. But Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel said the recently finalized rule exceeds federal authority under the Clean Water Act.

“Wisconsin has strong water regulations already and this is a very expansive reach that can can to waters that we’ve never before imagined being under EPA authority,” he said.

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Schimel said farmers and other private landowners could be affected. So, he’s joined eight other attorneys general in suing over the rule. But Clean Wisconsin President and CEO Mark Redsten is opposed to the state’s involvement in the lawsuit.

“The Waters of the United States rule provides much-needed clarity on these protections and is vital to the quality of the larger waters that drive our economy, provide jobs and recreational opportunities, and make Wisconsin an outstanding place to live, work and play,” Redsten said.

The quality of Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers depends on the smaller tributary streams and wetlands connected to them, yet federal protection for these waters has long been unclear.