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Gov. Matt Mead asked the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the agencies' proposed rule redefining the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.

The move is the latest in a long line of actions by Mead against EPA rule-making. Mead said Wednesday that the rule would be costly to U.S. citizens and would interfere with industry and agriculture in Wyoming.

The rule bypasses the federal legislation process and should be considered by Congress, according to Mead.

“I believe it needs more thorough consideration and possibly congressional action before it is implemented," Mead said. "It goes well beyond the congressional purpose and intent of the Clean Water Act.”

Wyoming state agencies have voiced concern about the uncertainty caused by the implementation of the new rule.

The EPA's Waters of the U.S. rule was proposed to align the agency's policy with rulings issued in Supreme Court hearings in 2001 and 2006.

The agency extended the deadline for public comment on the rule until Oct. 20.

Reach general assignment reporter Trevor Graff at 307-266-0639 or Trevor.Graff@trib.com. Follow him on Twitter @TrevGraff.

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