EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James announced the rule, which replaces the Obama-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. WOTUS significantly expanded the definition of "waters of the United States" and opponents claimed the rule placed an undue burden on American farmers.
“Our farmers have suffered under the heavy-handed regulations put into place by the Obama Administration. Now, President Trump’s plan of deregulation and ending inconsistent regulatory patchwork is becoming a reality through this new definition of WOTUS,” Congressman Comer said. “Farmers and businesses across the nation have been in need of a consistent regulatory framework that allows them to function with clarity and predictability."
Commissioner Quarles said agricultural producers are relieved by the unveiling of the new rule.
"The new Navigable Waters Protection Rule reduces government overreach, upholds the rule of law, and eliminates burdens on farm families," said Quarles. "I thank Administrator Wheeler for working to reverse the anti-business and anti-farmer regulations of the previous Administration."
The Navigable Waters Protection Rule attempts to eliminate uncertainty over where federal jurisdiction begins and ends by defining the difference between federally protected wetlands and state protected wetlands. Proponents of the new rule say that it gives states more flexibility in determining how best to manage their land and water resources while protecting the nation's navigable waters.
