Missouri GOP lawmakers praise WOTUS change

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two members of Missouri's congressional delegation sounded off on Thursday praising President Donald Trump's decision to change how the EPA evaluates pollution in waterways.

The renamed and redefined water rule took effect today. It was officially renamed The Navigable Water Protection Rule. It will be overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army. It reduces which waterways will be enforced by WOTUS under the Clean Water Act.

The updated rule will cover four areas: Traditional seas and navigable waters, perennial and intermittent tributaries, certain lakes, ponds, and impoundments, and wetlands that are adjacent to jurisdictional waters.

Congressional Republicans from Missouri praised the move on Twitter Thursday.

Sen. Roy Blunt (R) said the Obama-era rule would have given the EPA control over 99% of the water in the state.

Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06) echoed Blunt's comments on the change. Graves said the president's decision helps farmers and small business owners by increasing local control of the water and land.

WOTUS was implemented in 2015 under the US Clean Water Act, which sought to regulate pollution in US lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and coastal areas.