The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has called for amendments to the "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule to align it with the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA, which demands clearer water regulations. The AFBF submitted comments in response to a request from the Environmental Protection Agency for recommendations.
The AFBF expressed concerns that classifying features like drains, ditches, stock ponds, and impoundments as jurisdictional waters could lead to regulation of common farming activities. These activities include plowing and planting, which could trigger enforcement actions under the Clean Water Act unless permits are obtained. The organization noted that obtaining such permits requires significant time and financial resources that many farmers lack.
The Farm Bureau's suggestions include defining the 'relatively permanent standard' to guide agencies on federal jurisdiction over water bodies, regulating wetlands only when they have a continuous surface connection to WOTUS waterways, and providing clear exemptions for farmers and ranchers.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, "America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to doing the right thing by protecting the resources they’ve been entrusted with. We need clear regulations to reach those goals, however. The Supreme Court ruled that the previous administration overstepped its authority with WOTUS. We appreciate EPA taking steps to bring WOTUS in line with the Sackett ruling by providing clarity that respects the high court’s decision and farmers’ efforts to preserve the environment as they grow the food and fiber America’s families rely on."
Further details can be found in Farm Bureau's comments linked in their statement.
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