The EPA has issued a new Waters of the U.S. rule, in light of the Supreme Court decision earlier this year.
The new rule breaks from long-standing federal protections and requires that protected wetlands have a clear link to oceans and rivers.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the Agency had no choice but to narrow the scope of its rule.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applauds the decision.
“The entire cattle industry breathed a sigh of relief when the Supreme Court curtailed the EPA’s overreach under the Clean Water Act. Today’s revised WOTUS definition is an important step toward bringing the EPA more in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling. NCBA looks forward to working with the agency to protect farmers and ranchers from burdensome regulations and provide them with lasting certainty on WOTUS. NCBA was proud to lead the fight against burdensome WOTUS rules from Congress to the courts. We will continue analyzing this latest development to ensure that cattle producers are protected,” said Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart.
