President Obama vetoed a resolution passed by Congress last week that would block his rule that gives the federal government power over ditches and small bodies of waters on ranches and farms.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Obama announced he vetoed Senate Joint Resolution 22, which would have blocked the Waters Of The United States rule.
The Environmental Protection Agency says the rule would protect streams and wetlands that impact water quality and would more precisely define waters protected by the Clean Water Act. But ranchers, farmers and states argue it gives the federal agency unprecedented authority over drainage ditches and nearly anything else that can contain water.
Obama said the rule is critical to keeping the nation’s water clean.
“We must protect the waters that are vital for the health of our communities and the success of our businesses, agriculture, and energy development,” Obama said. “As I have noted before, too many of our waters have been left vulnerable.”
Obama said the rule is necessary to protect the rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs that Americans depend on for drinking water and recreation.
The resolution did not pass either chamber of Congress with a veto-proof majority and it’s unlikely that there will be a vote to override the President’s veto.
