We’ve previously reported that Alaska’s federal delegation is fighting against the EPA’s new water rules…
Sen. Murkowski(R-AK): “Well if it was just about ensuring that we have safe drinking water, I think we’d have room for discussion here. Alaska hosts one half of all the wetlands in the entire country. As the WOTUS, as it is called, the Waters Of The US, is currently interpreted, effectively our state would be prohibited from moving.”
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski’s statements were echoed this week by State Senate Majority Leader John Coghill.
Coghill wrote, “I’m sure expanding the EPA’s jurisdiction will cause economic harm to many Alaskans. Some in various industries across the state are rightfully frustrated that the rule will create additional expenses. Those expenses will be passed on to consumers.
There are legitimate jurisdictional questions worth noting. Concerns include jurisdiction extending to waters within 4,000 feet of “previously defined” jurisdictional waters or “newly-defined” jurisdictional waters. 4,000 feet is a significant distance. Considering the newly solidified “reach of the feds,” some say it’s hard to imagine a place in the entire United States where the EPA and Corps would not have jurisdiction (based simply on a designated wetlands being within 4,000 feet of a tributary).
The state is strongly encouraged to consider all legal options available.”
Coghill says the rule now applies to 60-percent of the nation’s water bodies and comes as part of a broader effort by President Obama to build a major environmental legacy.