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I STATE HOUSE 
MA.August 31, 2015

 

Senator Angus S. King
133 Hart Senate Of?ce Building
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Susan M. Collins
413 Dirksen Senate Of?ce Building
Washington, DC 20510

Congresswoman Rochelle M. Pingree
2162 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Congressman Bruce L. Poliquin
426 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Senator Collins, Senator King, Congressman Poliquin and Congresswoman Pingree:

I am writing you on behalf of the State of Maine and those businesses in Maine that must operate
under the strictures of the Clean Water Act to seek your assistance in dealing with the Environmental
Protection Agency?s severe regulatory overreach. I understand that your of?ces have been
briefed by the EPA regarding that agency?s impending decision to develop a Federal Implementation Plan
for Maine regarding our State?s water quality standards. As I am sure you can appreciate, this action is by
the EPA is highly problematic for the State and the businesses located here.

As you know, Maine Department of Environmental Protection has been engaged in a protracted
struggle with the EPA regarding the State?s water quality standards. The EPA has taken unprecedented
action by disapproving a number of Maine?s water quality standards, including some that have been on
the books since 1985. Much of the effort is focused on standards that relate to ?waters in indian
lands.? Unfortunately, the EPA appears to be trying to apply a one-size??ts-all model to Maine that
completely ignores the applicability of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act.

You cannot understand my frustration and the frustration of the Maine Department of
Environmental Protection as we continue to try to exercise our delegated authority under the Clean Water
Act. This move to develop a Federal Implementation Plan is just the latest overreach by the EPA. I am
now evaluating all of the State?s options as they relate to the Clean Water Act and am seriously
considering relinquishing some or all of Maine?s delegated authority under this Act. Obviously, the State
must move in a deliberative fashion due to the disruption this would likely have on Maine?based
businesses permitted under this Act. 1, however, feel that the EPA is leaving us very little room to
maneuver here.

I am at a loss as to what has brought this aggressive regulatory overreach about, but the State
desperately needs your help to reign in this agency. I look forward to working with you all on this matter.

Sincerely,

 
FPaul R. LePa ew

Governor

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