As most of you across East Alabama know, I have always been a critic of big government. I think the bigger the Federal government gets, the more it intrudes in the daily lives of Americans.

A perfect example of this is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

I believe the EPA has greatly over stepped its authority. States should be allowed to handle most of their own regulations just like the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) does for our state.

The EPA also consistently oversteps its boundaries with silly rules like Waters of the United States (WOTUS) known as “Clean Water Rule: Definition of ‘Waters of the United State.’”

This rule actually gives the EPA control of bodies of water as small as puddles. Yes, it’s just as ridiculous as it sounds. It hurts East Alabama farmers and just doesn’t make sense.

In mid-January, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support and pass S.J. Res. 22, a joint resolution with the Senate to disapprove of this rule. Because of rules like the Clean Water Rule and many other issues, I joined 25 of my colleagues and cosponsored H. Res. 417, a resolution calling on Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the EPA, to step down.

This week in the House Agriculture Committee, a hearing was held titled, “To consider the impacts of the EPA’s actions on the rural economy.” This hearing examined the EPA’s excessive regulatory decisions.

Our farmers are America’s original conservationists, and they care more about our natural resources than most. However, the EPA continues to impose costly and burdensome regulations on them, forcing many out of business.

The EPA’s overreach is unacceptable, and I will continue to push back and fight against their harmful agenda every chance I get.

I want to hear from you on this or any issue.

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