Rep. Tom Graves Votes to Fund SHEP, Sink EPA Water Proposal, Shoot Down Gun Control Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Tom Graves (R-GA-14) voted for and the House Appropriations Committee today passed the fiscal year 2017 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which includes provisions that provide funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP), prohibit implementation of the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule and prohibit funding of gun control efforts on Army Corps of Engineers land.

“The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is a top economic priority for Georgia,” said Rep. Graves. “The Port of Savannah supports 21,000 American businesses and brings $174 million in annual net benefits to the United States. The expansion project is essential for this powerful economic engine to continue thriving. The funding in this bill will help ensure the expansion project stays on schedule.

“Additionally, this bill sinks the EPA’s proposal to vastly expand the definition of waterways,” Rep. Graves continued. “Our action stops the EPA’s efforts to regulate small streams, farm ponds and irrigation ditches. This is a major win for farmers and ranchers in Georgia and across the country.

“Finally, as a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, I’m pleased this bill includes language that I have introduced in past years to prohibit funding of gun control efforts on the Army Corp of Engineers’ 11.7 million acres of public land. This provision is a critical win for law-abiding gun owners throughout the nation.”

BACKGROUND

Savannah Harbor Expansion Project: SHEP deepens the Savannah Harbor federal shipping channel from a depth of -42 feet to -47 feet. The extra depth will allow an additional 3,600 cargo containers in each transit.

Waters of the U.S. Rule: The “Waters of the U.S.” rule was proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers in 2013. It would significantly broaden the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act and result in a major expansion of federal government power over land across America.

Gun Control: The Army Corps of Engineers was exempt from a bipartisan law enacted in 2009, which legalized possession of firearms for self-defense on National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System lands