Rouzer to lead congressional water resources group

U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-7th District, will chair a congressional subcommittee that focuses on the nation’s water resources. Rouzer’s office publicized the new role Friday.

Rouzer will lead the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

“The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters relating to the development of our nation’s water resources and infrastructure. The Subcommittee also has direct oversight of the United States Army Corps of Engineers,” according to a news release from Rouzer’s office. “This gives Rouzer a unique opportunity to advocate for priorities specific to Southeastern North Carolina such as port expansion, beach renourishment projects, and water pollution control.”  

“For the past two years, I have enjoyed serving my colleagues as ranking member of the Subcommittee,” Rouzer said in the release. “As chairman, I look forward to championing the Subcommittee’s goals and continuing our work to reduce red tape, deliver on permitting reform, hold bureaucrats at the EPA accountable, and deliver commonsense solutions to mitigate and prevent inland and coastal flooding.  Our efforts will better protect property, enhance conservation efforts, and save precious taxpayer dollars when natural disasters hit.”

Rouzer “will play a key role” in drafting the Water Resources Development Act, one of the committee’s “highest priorities,” according to Rouzer’s office. Congress approves a version of the act every two years. Its projects “help strengthen the Nation’s global competitiveness, grow the economy, ensure the movement of goods throughout the supply chain, protect communities, and create jobs,” the release said.

The 2022 version of the WRDA included projects for flood resilience and coastal infrastructure.

As chairman, Rouzer also will “give North Carolina’s agriculture community an even stronger voice” as Congress tackles flood mitigation, waterway regulations, and environmental protection. His news release cites as an “early priority” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent action to change the controversial Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, rule.

“He will be instrumental to the Committee’s efforts to push back against the administration’s Waters of the United States rulemaking and regulatory power grab, said Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, chairman of the larger Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“Congressman Rouzer has been a persistent voice for strengthening our water resources infrastructure and fighting back against the Biden administration’s harmful WOTUS rule,” added Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.  

Rouzer has served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since joining Congress in 2015.  He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee.

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