East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has expressed his opposition to the Biden Administration's efforts to produce federal recommendations on groundwater management. In a letter sent to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), Simpson emphasized that groundwater regulation should remain under the control of states and tribes.

This move follows a similar letter from Idaho Governor Brad Little and Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke to President Joe Biden, where they also voiced their opposition. Simpson echoed their sentiments in his communication with PCAST.

“Water sovereignty must remain in the hands of states, Tribes, and local governments—not in the hands of the federal government,” said Rep. Simpson. “The federal government has no place in managing or regulating groundwater. I was pleased to see Governor Little and Lieutenant Governor Bedke stand up for Idaho by opposing this attempt, and I am proud to join their efforts in my position as the Representative for Idaho’s second congressional district. Management of this precious resource is a state issue, and I will continue to oppose efforts by the Biden-Harris administration that would undermine state, local, and Tribal authority over water regulation.”

The full text of Simpson's letter is available for public viewing.