President Obama vetoes Congress WOTUS disapproval

President Barack Obama vetoed a bipartisan congressional resolution, S.J.Res 22, that formally denounced the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, reports the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). The WOTUS rule would dramatically expand the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) jurisdiction of U.S. waters.

“The move did not come as a surprise,” says Pam Whitted, NSSGA senior vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs. “The President made it clear months ago that he supports the EPA in this jurisdictional grab and would certainly refuse to sign the bipartisan measure of disapproval. We were heartened that Congress agreed with the 32 states and the dozens of trade associations, including NSSGA, that have sued over this rule. We will be following this litigation closely over the next few years.”

According to NSSGA, the Senate is expected to vote to override the veto this week, though the measure is not expected to surpass a 67-vote threshold for approval. Additionally, a nationwide stay of WOTUS enacted by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals remains in effect, and a hearing this spring will determine which courts have jurisdiction of the case.

Read more about Congress’ disapproval of WOTUS here.