Two Senate Republicans plan to propose an amendment to an upcoming spending bill intended to block funding for implementation of a new Obama administration policy aimed at expanding federal Clean Water Act oversight.

Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming and Dean Heller of Nevada would offer the amendment for the fiscal 2012 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill (H.R. 2354) that is expected to reach the Senate floor next week, Barrasso's office confirmed.

The text of the amendment is not available yet.

The amendment is aimed at halting implementation of a U.S. EPA-issued "guidance" that instructs federal regulators to more broadly interpret the Clean Water Act (E&ENews PM, April 27). EPA has said it plans to follow up on the guidance it issued in April with rulemaking to further establish the new interpretation.

GOP critics of the policy argue that it amounts to a federal power grab and infringement on state and private property rights (Greenwire, Nov. 3).

The National Association of Conservation Districts praised Barrasso and Heller for their efforts. The group represents local government agencies that carry out resource-management programs.

"As conservationists, we fully support the common goal of achieving cleaner, healthier watersheds across the nation," NACD President Gene Schmidt said in a statement. "The best way to achieve clean water is through locally-led conservation efforts, rather than a one-size-fits-all, top-down federal regulatory approach. States, local governments and private landowners play a critical leadership role in water management."