Ga. Asks Trump Administration To Withdraw Environmental Rules

Georgia is joining dozens of other states urging the incoming Trump administration to get rid of a controversial water rule. This is the second letter state Attorney General Chris Carr has signed this month, asking for the Obama administration’s environmental rules to be overturned.

The water rule is known as “Waters of the United States.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the rule would clarify what water is protected by the Clean Water Act. Opponents say it’s a case of government overreach.

Georgia is one of the states that had sued to block the rule last year, and the rule is still tied up in court.

In the letter, sent earlier this month, Carr and attorneys general from 24 other states wrote that the rule comes at the expense of states.

“Further, the new regulation – if allowed to stand – will have a significant impact on agricultural, homebuilding, oil and gas, and mining operators,” they wrote.

The EPA and supporters of the rule have said it does not expand federal authority, instead it is meant to clear up which bodies of water are protected by federal environmental laws.

Georgia has also joined with dozens of states to oppose another Obama-administration regulation, known as the Clean Power Plan. That rule is meant to address climate change. Georgia has joined a lawsuit to block it as well, and it is also currently held up in court. Earlier this month, Carr signed a letter to the Trump Administration that outlines how to dismantle that rule.

Like us on Facebook