An investigation by Rep. Steve Russell and others on the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has produced more than 30,000 pages of internal records into the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. Rule.
“We stand for openness and transparency,” said Chairman Jason Chaffetz. “I think the American people have a right to see these documents.”
He and his staff are digging through the documents. About 13,000 pages were turned over in the past few days just as the committee prepared a resolution holding Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Administrator Howard Shelanski in contempt of Congress.
As Politico’s Morning Energy Report indicated, the details of the documents might help states and industry companies who filed lawsuits trying to stop WOTUS.
Oklahoma was among those states that filed suit against the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the rule. Attorney General Scott Pruitt said earlier this year it will take months for the case to be heard in court and should run the clock out on the Obama Administration and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.
It was eleven months ago when the State Chamber of Commerce, led by President and CEO Fred Morgan filed suit in Tulsa federal court.
“The EPA’s new rule is nothing more than the federal government trying to put a noose around the necks of business, agriculture and economic development,” said Morgan in filing the suit. “In effect, WOTUS will make dry creek beds and rain puddles subject to federal regulation, preventing property owners from being able to use their own land.”