WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) released the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Pruitt announced that they would be withdrawing from Obama’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.

“I welcome the news that the EPA will not move forward with the Obama Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule that is disastrous for rural communities and agricultural producers.  Earlier this Congress, I introduced H.R. 1261, the “Federal Regulatory Certainty for Water Act,” to clarify what “navigable waters” means and especially what it does not.  Placing a good definition in law will help ensure that the courts and future administrations will not revive attempts to regulate every bar ditch and buffalo wallow across the country.”