Rep. Denny Rehberg voted last year to undermine the Clean Water Act. He claims to have done so to empower states and to save businesses from hidden taxes incurred by their forced compliance with federal regulations.
Unfortunately, the lack of overarching controls would empower only polluters, and Rehberg’s efforts would have the ironic effect of undermining local control. Ordinary people who traditionally use waterways for recreation or who count on the tourist and fishing industries for their livelihoods would have little say. Unlike politicians, Burlington Northern and Marathon Oil cannot be voted out of office.
As for the supposed cost of federal regulations, the oft-quoted figure of a $1.7 trillion hidden tax on businesses cited by Rehberg on his website is misleading at best. It originated in a study funded by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy with the goal of removing obstacles to profit. According to the less biased Office of Management and Budget, however, the benefits of federal regulation in such areas as public health and greater worker productivity outweigh the costs by $73 to $561 billion.
Considering that an estimated $570.8 billion is already lost to federal revenues through tax subsidies to corporations per year, Rehberg seems to be crying crocodile tears into a river he’d soon find too polluted even for those redoubtable saurians.
Cara Chamberlain
Billings
5 responses so far ↓
1 Living with a Disability // Jan 24, 2012 at 3:43 pm
It’s good to see counter points against misleading information. Clean water is very important. Politicians shouldn’t manipulate figures for personal gain or agenda.
2 Donald V. Walker // Jan 24, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Federal air, water, and soil pollution standards and national wilderness and wildlife and Federal regulation of air pollution is controlled primarily by the Clean Air Act.
Donald V. Walker
3 Penny // Jan 25, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Wow, that’s a huge difference in statistics. Just one more reason why people need to check the facts for themselves. I guess there are people that will try to trick you in any industry. In finance it is the pump and dump schemers with penny stocks. I honestly don’t get why some people have huge issues with regulations. While some of the ideas that are proposed can be too restrictive, many regulations are to protect people.
4 Rafael Montilla // Jan 25, 2012 at 3:11 pm
I can not understand politicians, They should be working to have a better USA each day.
5 Carla Manson // Feb 14, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Enjoyed every bit of your article.Much thanks again. Much obliged.