Republican leaders from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have expressed support for the Trump Administration's proposed rule to define Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The new rule, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to clarify which waters fall under federal regulation.
The proposed definition is in line with the Supreme Court's 2023 Sackett decision, which set boundaries on federal regulatory authority regarding water protection. According to committee leaders, this move follows efforts by the previous Biden Administration to broaden federal oversight and is intended to bring stability and clarity to those affected by water regulations.
Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) stated, “This action by the Trump Administration is a victory for common sense. Farmers, infrastructure builders, small businesses, manufacturers, home builders, local communities, and property owners will be able to function under a more reasonable regulatory environment without having to worry about the federal government constantly breathing down their necks. We can and will continue to ensure water quality throughout our nation under the Clean Water Act, but this proposed rule also protects the rights of states, individuals, and businesses to produce our food and goods, build infrastructure projects, and grow the economy.”
Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA) added: “The definition of a ‘water of the United States’ has been weaponized by federal agencies to infringe on the property rights of farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and landowners for far too long. The announcement by President Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin will end the abuse of power by Washington bureaucrats and restore freedom to landowners across the country. The era of overregulation is over, and we are lucky to have a president that prioritizes freedom, growth, and prosperity instead of government control.”
The committee leaders believe that these changes will benefit various sectors such as agriculture and construction by providing clearer guidelines on what constitutes federally regulated waters.
