New WOTUS Rule Provides Certainty for Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Army Corps) proposed Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

“Farmers share the goal of protecting the nation’s natural resources and we’re pleased the EPA and Army Corps put forward a new Waters of the U.S. rule. It respects farmers’ ability to responsibly use their land while ensuring regulations align with the framework established by the Supreme Court’s Sackett ruling.

“The new WOTUS rule provides a clear understanding of federal jurisdiction, which is critical for farmers who may face severe penalties or even jail time for unknowingly violating the law. While we’re still reviewing the details of the final rule, we’re hopeful that it will prove durable and bring an end to the regulatory back and forth farmers have endured during the past decade. America’s families deserve clean water and clear rules, as do the farmers who work to grow the food those families rely on.”