Any other comments on that initial primacy directive from Congress to the EPA with regard to the States' primacy--primary responsibilities on these issues?

Our fishermen and women are classic--the definition of small businesses.

Fishing means business and it means jobs in Alaska.

Let me be clear, there is no doubt that many of our wonderful lakes and rivers, such as the Yukon and Chena and their tributaries are jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act.

This process, I believe, has been flawed, has been very rushed.

The proposed rule will not only deprive Alaska of its traditional and sovereign powers.

I think we certainly have some of the cleanest water, the most pristine environment of any place in the world.

Do you think that the consultation that is required by the EPA...was undertaken in a way that was sufficient?

It will also disproportionately impact our ability to grow and prosper.

Advocacy, the SBA, and small businesses are extremely concerned about the rule as proposed.

Fifty-five thousand dollars an acre for a small business like that will absolutely put them out of business.

I don't see the EPA doing anything in terms of additional expenditures. They're just going to promulgate a reg that we pay for.

These are good jobs that can provide high school-age kids with the opportunity to pay for college.

We clearly, as Alaskans, believe in the importance of clean water.

Alaskans are no strangers to Federal regulations governing essential aspects of our lives.

There is simply no nexus between cryogenically isolated permafrost and waters of the United States.

Instead, we are here to talk about the proposed rule and regulations of waters that I believe Congress never intended to be jurisdictional under the act.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the Senate passed by a strong bipartisan vote an amendment that I co-sponsored with Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming that would rein in the scope of this rulemaking.

I support the proposed rule because it clarifies protections to waters upon which these fisheries rely.

Well, even 3 percent in Alaska is huge.

Lunacy, in my view, that's killing our small fishermen.

I urge Senator Sullivan and the members of this committee to consider the wide-reaching and economic and cultural benefits that this proposed rule will have for the State.

The rule will have a direct and potentially costly impact on small businesses.

When undertaking to formulate and implement policies that have federalism implications, agencies shall consult with appropriate State and local officials.

Keep fighting the fight and we're behind you 110 percent.