In Wyoming, almost half of our land is controlled by the federal government. Regulations coming out of Washington have a huge impact on the people in our state. In April, we heard from Wyoming’s Oil and Gas Supervisor about the impact of federal hydraulic fracturing regulations. I also introduced two bills to protect the water rights of private property owners and to keep our waterways clean.
New Bipartisan Bill to Protect America’s Waterways
The EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are once again overreaching and trying to expand the Clean Water Act in an extreme way. Instead of working to preserve beautiful rivers, like our Snake River and Wind River, these agencies are seeking to regulate agriculture water, irrigation ditches, isolated ponds and other non-navigable waters as “Waters of the U.S.” I’ve heard from so many people across our state who are concerned that the EPA’s proposal would hurt Wyoming residents, their land and their businesses.
This month, along with a strong bipartisan group of senators, I introduced the Federal Water Quality Protection Act. This bill will give the EPA the direction it needs to write a reasonable rule that will truly protect our “navigable” waterways. By striking the right balance, we’ll protect America’s waterways - and America’s farmers, ranchers and landowners.
Senate Hears from Wyo. Oil and Gas Supervisor on Fracking
April 30, Wyoming Oil and Gas Supervisor Mark Watson testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. As chairman of this subcommittee, I invited Supervisor Watson to talk about the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final hydraulic fracturing rule. Hydraulic fracturing has helped Wyoming and other states recover large amounts of natural gas. Increased energy production has helped grow our economy and provided thousands of good-paying jobs in the West.
During the hearing, Supervisor Watson explained to the committee and federal regulators why he believes the BLM’s rule is duplicative and not necessary for states like Wyoming, who already have comprehensive rules on hydraulic fracturing that apply to state, private and federal lands. Supervisor Watson also testified that this rule will only create confusion and will inevitably lead to delays in the permitting process.
Bill to Halt U.S. Forest Service Water Grabs
Over the past few years, the U.S. Forest Service has attempted to strong-arm individuals and businesses into turning over their privately held water rights as a condition of obtaining or renewing a land-use permit. They have also proposed a groundwater directive that threatens to undermine state water rights. This is particularly alarming.
Despite the Obama administration’s recent attempt to downplay these water grabs, they may continue to pursue policies like this again in the future. Congress must provide clear legislative direction to federal land management agencies in order to protect agricultural, recreational and economic activity throughout our communities.
On April 16, I re-introduced legislation to protect water users in Wyoming and across the West. The Water Rights Protection Act blocks any future attempts by Washington to take over private water rights.
Wyoming Comes to Washington
It was great to spend time with Cheyenne East High School assistant principal Fawn Bartlett this month. Fawn was recently named the 2015 Wyoming Assistant Principal of the Year.
Her commitment to the school and local community has helped improve the learning environment for students in Cheyenne.
Members of Wyoming’s Optometric and Dental Associations from Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, Lander, Rock Springs and Worland were also in town this month. We talked about ways we can improve access to health care in Wyoming.
Looking Ahead
As always, if you are going to be in Washington during the week, please stop by the office. We’re also more than happy to schedule a tour of the U.S. Capitol for you.
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