Federal water grab threatens jobs, farmers, local economies

When Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972, the intent was clear: the federal government, in cooperation with the states, should ensure our water quality is protected for current and future generations. Specifically, the law stated that the federal government would have jurisdiction over navigable waters, like the Columbia River, while states would retain control over everything else.

There is no question that we must ensure the highest quality of our nation’s drinking water. However, over time, the Clean Water Act has been the subject of much abuse by those who would use it for their ow...