DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is praising the federal government's reduction of protected waterways.
In a statement released Thursday, she says it balances environmental protections with the rights of Iowa farmers and citizens.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler disclosed the repeal of the Obama-era water rule in September, but made the long-anticipated announcement Thursday in Las Vegas, at the National Association of Home Builders International Builders' Show.
The moves has been favored by farmers and mining companies, but opposed by environmentalists and the EPA's own science advisers.
The rule implemented through an executive order by then President Barack Obama was known as Waters of the United States (WOTUS).
It expanded the reach of federal oversight to about 60% of U.S. waterways. It was intended to bring clarity to decades of political and legal debate over which waters should have federal protection.
Governor Reynolds, a Republican, criticized the Obama administration's move, while complimenting the Trump administration for its response.
“Under the Obama administration, Iowa suffered from uncertainty, excessive regulation and federal overreach< said Reynolds "Those days are gone. I appreciate President Trump and his administration for fulfilling another promise made by taking the necessary steps to rewrite WOTUS.
Trump’s EPA proposed the WOTUS rule in December 2018, in collaboration with the Department of the Army. It was finalized late last year.
(Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds pictured above)