Senator Demint on Clean Water Restoration Act

I wanted to share with you comments from Senator DeMint on S.787, the Clean Water Restoration Act. This legislation threatens private property rights and States rights as well.

He says he has concerns, but still does not take a stand against it. We want him to oppose it, rather than keep our views in mind.

I guess he needs more emails.

Sharon

----- Original Message -----
From: (address removed)
To:
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 2:04 PM
Subject: From the Office of Senator DeMint


Dear Ms. Clark,



Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to S.787, the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.



As you may know, Senator Russell D. Feingold of Wisconsin introduced S.787 on April 2, 2009. This Bill would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act by replacing the term "navigable waters" with "waters of the United States" throughout the Act. The change in language would allow more areas to be under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers. These waters and activities affecting them would be subjected to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.



Since S.787 would replace the term "navigable waters" with "waters of the United States", I have concerns that private property owners would be limited in their rights to utilize their own property.



Currently, the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. While I am not a member of this committee, I look forward to it coming to the Senate floor for debate. Rest assured, if and when it does come up for a vote, I will carefully consider it and keep your thoughts in mind.



Thank you again for sharing your views with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about anything important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of South Carolina.





Sincerely,

Jim DeMint
United States Senator