Smith Works to Rein-in EPA

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) this week became an original cosponsor of H.R. 5961 introduced by Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on June 19, 2012. The legislation would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from conducting aerial surveillance of agricultural land when enforcing the Clean Water Act unless the Agency has obtained voluntary written consent, provided public notice, or received court-ordered certification of reasonable suspicion.
“The EPA’s use of aerial surveillance to enforce the Clean Water Act and the Agency’s failure to adequately address my concerns raises questions about the privacy and property rights of producers across the country,” said Smith. “I am proud to support this bill as a commonsense solution to safeguard the privacy of property owners while giving the EPA the flexibility it needs to ensure the quality of our resources.”
Background:
On May 29th, the Nebraska delegation, including Congressman Smith, wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting information on the Agency’s use of aerial surveillance to enforce the Clean Water Act. The delegation sent a follow-up to Jackson on June 11th.
The bill would mandate the EPA operate within its Congressionally issued authority while enforcing the Clean Water Act. Furthermore, it would improve transparency by requiring the Agency to engage stakeholders and respect the privacy of agricultural producers.