WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The newly proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule marks the administration’s latest attempt to finally establish a clear and consistent standard for federal water jurisdiction — an issue that has shaped agricultural policy and created uncertainty for producers for more than a decade. Roger McEowen of the Washburn School of Law joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to help break down what the rule could mean for farmers and ranchers and to explain how we arrived at this moment.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, McEowen revisited the long, complicated history of WOTUS, outlining how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners. He noted that the new proposal aims to deliver long-awaited clarity by more precisely defining which waters fall under federal oversight. He also walked through several key elements of the proposed rule, explaining how the updated language seeks to balance environmental protection with practical considerations for the ag sector.
As for what comes next, McEowen detailed the upcoming steps in the public review process — including the formal comment period that will allow producers, stakeholders, and the general public to weigh in before the rule moves forward. Looking ahead, McEowen said the big question is whether this proposal will finally deliver the regulatory certainty producers have long sought. While he acknowledged optimism in some areas, he also emphasized the importance of continued engagement from the agricultural community as the process unfolds.
