House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson has responded to the recent proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS). The proposed rule aims to clarify this definition and fully implement the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency.
Thompson issued a statement following the announcement: "For too long, WOTUS allowed Washington to overreach into the everyday work of farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Today’s action is a strong step in finally delivering a clear, practical definition that ends the needless permitting headaches created by the Biden-era rule. By following through on a promise to rural America, Administrator Zeldin is restoring certainty and trust where it’s long been needed."
The EPA's new proposal seeks to address concerns raised by agricultural stakeholders about regulatory uncertainty and federal oversight under previous interpretations of WOTUS.
