Congressional Republicans can’t be bothered to deal with real problems, but they are attempting to save our cherished heritage of blowing things up without regulation.
“If finalized, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers’ proposal to expand the Clean Water Act’s definition of the ‘waters of the United States’ may enable litigious environmental groups to jeopardize fireworks displays throughout the country,” the letter, spearheaded by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), adds.
Republicans in Congress have called the rules a “power grab,” but the EPA has stressed the proposal does not expand protections.
Is this a power grab? Will this open the doorway to litigation?
No. On the contrary, the current regulatory environment, or a lack thereof, is what opens the doorway to litigation.
Under the new rules, which Senate Republicans are calling a “power grab,” the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers would have to approve fireworks displays at federally-protected wetlands and streams, however these new rules would actually prevent lawsuits aimed at blocking the displays.
The EPA is trying to protect our traditions from lawsuits by offering a formal approval process, but Senate Republicans are too short-sighted to see that.