Jan. 20, 2016 -- President Obama has vetoed an attempt by congressional Republicans to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rule, dubbed the Clean Water Rule.
The federal regulation asserting govenrnment control over small bodies of water, would ensure that water used for drinking, recreation, economic development and other purposes is kept safe, Obama said in a message to Congress late Tuesday.
“We must protect the waters that are vital for the health of our communities and the success of our businesses, agriculture, and energy development,” Obama wrote in his veto message.
“Because this resolution seeks to block the progress represented by this rule and deny businesses and communities the regulatory certainty and clarity needed to invest in projects that rely on clean water, I cannot support it.”
The House passed the resolution last week. The Senate passed it in November. The EPA is currently prohibited from enforcing the rule while a federal court reviews its legality.
