WASHINGTON, October 9, 2015– On Friday, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit based in Cincinnati issued a nationwide stay blocking the Obama administration’s highly controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency.
State legislators from across the country believe the rule violates the Tenth Amendment and sets a dangerous precedent for federal intrusion. In total, more than 30 states have sought legal action against the rule.
“A stay temporarily silences the whirlwind of confusion that springs from uncertainty about the requirements of the new rule and whether they will survive legal testing,” the court said.
In July, Tennessee State Representative Sheila Butt (R-Columbia) led a successful campaign to join Tennessee to the case presented to the Sixth Circuit.
“I was thankful to join Rep. Butt in taking on the EPA,” said State Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro). “I share the concerns of my constituents, farmers, the Farm Bureau, and the attorney generals of many surrounding states in that the Waters of the United States rule is an overreach of the EPA that encroaches on states’ rights. Today we got some great news, but the fight isn’t over.”