A controversial bill in the Idaho state legislature threatens to nullify regulations put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency. ThinkProgress reports that State Representative Paul Shepherd (R-Riggins) introduced the bill after complaints from gold dredgers that new procedures to gain permits under the Clean Water Act overstep federal boundaries. Shepherd's bill would nullify any EPA measure not approved by the U.S. Congress on grounds of unconstitutionality (though the EPA's regulation process does not include Congressional approval).
The regulations put in place by the EPA classify sand and rocks shifted during the gold dredging process as pollutants. Shepherd chalks up this classification as a bureaucratic evil. But since dredging disrupts aquatic habits and accelerates erosion in streams, the EPA says its current regulations actually are what keeps the practice of dredging legal in the first place.
Other state representatives in Idaho have pointed out problems with Shepherd's bill. Fellow representative Lynn Luker told the Lewiston Tribune that he is "struggling to see how, in practical terms, this will protect our businesses." The Daily Caller quotes more concerns from Rep. Eric Anderson: "Also, we codified many of these regulations into state law when we took primacy over the EPA programs, so this bill would be nullifying state law at the same time.”
Shepherd's bill is irresponsible and ill thought-out. Sign this petition to urge the Idaho legislature to kill this bill!
Dear Idaho Legislators,
We, the undersigned, as you to come together to take urgent action against the bill proposed by your fellow lawmaker, Paul Shepherd (R-Riggins). The practicality of the bill is questionable at best, and could pose a vast threat to Idaho's entire environment. Some legislators have touched on the importance of discussion surrounding the issues brought up by this bill in the media. However, nullifying all EPA authority is not a productive step. We urge you kill this bill.
With great respect,
