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Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Brian Babin (TX-36) voted today for House-passage of the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act (H.R. 1732), which stops the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers from issuing its flawed “Waters of the United States” rule that gives the federal government unprecedented authority to regulate virtually all water flows in America, including ditches and farmland ponds.

“The EPA’s outrageous attempt to drastically expand its regulatory authority to cover tire ruts and farmland ponds represents a new low for this out-of-touch and runaway agency,” said Rep. Babin. “These unilateral actions undermine personal property rights and the well-being of our Texas communities. I am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation to turn back the EPA’s blatant federal power grab. It’s time the Obama Administration listens to the concerns of the American public and withdraws this misguided proposal.”

Rep. Babin is an original cosponsor of the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act (H.R. 1732). H.R. 1732 requires the agencies to restart the rulemaking process, this time consulting with state and local governments and other stakeholders to take into account their concerns and applying some common sense. More information on H.R. 1732 can be found here.