Ag groups are coming out swinging after EPA published its Waters of the U.S. rule to the Federal Register.
The new rule replaces the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Farmers say it goes against long-standing agreements that small and isolated water features on farms and ranches should be excluded.
The new rule also comes as we await the Supreme Court decision in the Sackett case. The Farm Bureau warns the action taken yesterday will likely require a new challenge. Some groups are not waiting on the Sackett ruling.
UPDATE: NCBA and AFBF announced just this morning it had filed a lawsuit against the EPA, and the state of Texas took legal action yesterday.
AFBF President, Zippy Duvall calls the ruling “vague.”
“Unfortunately, the new WOTUS rule once again gives the federal government sweeping authority over private lands. This isn’t what clean water regulations were intended to do. Farmers and ranchers should not have to hire a team of lawyers and consultants to determine how we can farm our land. The new rule is vague and creates uncertainty for America’s farmers, even if they’re miles from the nearest navigable water.”
