ATLANTA, GA –Attorney General Chris Carr has joined a bipartisan group of twenty-five state attorneys general urging President-elect Donald Trump to rescind the “Clean Water Rule: Definition of Waters of the United States” (WOTUS Rule)—which was promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in June 2015.

“The Georgia Department of Law agrees with our partners that the WOTUS Rule exceeds federal jurisdiction and will have significant consequences for homeowners, farmers and other entities by subjecting them to costly permits and complex federal mandates to perform everyday tasks,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “We believe in fiercely protecting our citizens against unlawful federal overreach, and we will continue working with those who share this mutual concern to bring these matters to President-elect Donald Trump’s attention for quick resolution.”

The letter urges the incoming administration to withdraw the WOTUS Rule and instead work with Congress to address any issues of concern through the legislative process. In addition, the attorneys general ask the new administration to consider strategies for addressing the states’ pending litigation immediately upon taking office to avoid the expending of state resources to continue to litigate a rule that violates federal law.

The WOTUS Rule is currently blocked by a federal court order while states, including Georgia, challenge its legality. In blocking the rule, the federal court found the states are likely to prevail in their legal challenge.

Read the full letter by clicking the link below.

Related Files