Joyce Leads Legislative Solutions for MS4 Regulations
Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) offered an amendment to H.R. 7608, the State, Foreign Operations, Agriculture, Rural Development, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2021, to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from enforcing municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) stormwater permits.
"Burdensome MS4 regulations disproportionately harm small communities in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. This year, I introduced legislation to prevent federal agencies, including the EPA, from punishing communities that do not comply with regulatory mandates regarding the Chesapeake Bay Watershed," said Congressman Joyce. "Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked the provision last night. Despite this obstruction, I will continue working to provide relief to our Pennsylvania communities fighting MS4 regulations."
Background:
In March, Dr. Joyce hosted a roundtable discussion in Chambersburg, bringing EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and community leaders to the table to discuss MS4 permits.
Earlier this year, Dr. Joyce sent a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies encouraging support for the Clean Water Act Compliance, which would provide small and rural communities with the technical assistance necessary to assist with permitting, comply with CWA regulations, and apply for federal funding under the Clean Water State Revolving Funds program.
Last summer, Dr. Joyce offered an amendment to the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019 to restrict Federal Agencies from punishing communities that do not comply with regulatory mandates regarding the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked the provision.
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