During a hearing this week of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe voiced concerns about the Biden administration’s plan to repeal the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule which replaced the illegal Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule. It was a rule that Inhofe felt was detrimental and harmful to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.
“A lot of us have had serious concerns with the administration’s recent announcement that it will repeal and replace the Trump-era Navigable Waters Protection Rule,” stated the Republican Senator as he questioned Jeffrey Prieto, nominee to be General Counsel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Inhofe also questioned whether the Trump rule resulted in “specific and significant environmental harm” as claimed by the Biden administration.
Prieto admitted he had no part in drawing up the proposed replacement rule but vowed to work closely with EPA Administrator Regan as the agency moves forward.
“I was not involved in making that particular statement, but I do think Senator, and I think this is again very important; I think it is the interest of Administrator Regan to go through a process that will ultimately end up with a durable rule; a rule that brings certainty,” said Prieto.
The Senator pressed him again.
Inhofe: And, I appreciate that, but let me just ask you, are you familiar with any specific and significant environmental harm?
Prieto: Senator, I again, not having crafted that particular language and not having looked at that, I would not comment on that particular statement. I do look forward, if confirmed, to be briefed on it.
Inhofe: You either are or are not familiar. Are you familiar of any of that level of harm?
Prieto: I am not familiar with any levels of harms. I do not know what that statement is referring to in terms of specific, Senator.
Witnesses included: Jeffrey Prieto, nominee to be General Counsel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Jane Nishida, nominee to be Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs of EPA; and Alejandra Castillo, nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Economic Development of Department of Commerce.
Click here to watch Inhofe’s full remarks.
Source: press release