WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The latest proposal to redefine which waterways fall under federal regulation is moving forward after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) closed its public comment period.
Courtney Briggs with the American Farm Bureau Federation says the group is backing the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, saying it addresses key concerns for farmers.
“It’s injecting a lot of clarity and certainty into the definition of WOTUS. We believe this proposed rule is an important step towards aligning the definition of WOTUS with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and providing the clear and workable boundaries that farmers need. With that said, getting the rule right on paper is only part of the equation. A regulation also has to work in practice on the ground for farmers and ranchers, and there are often growing pains when these regulatory changes occur. We just want to make sure that we can work with this administration to make sure that this is implemented correctly.”
The EPA is proposing a narrower test for WOTUS that analysts say could reduce federal regulation of some streams and wetlands on farms and ranches.
Under the proposal, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would require a stream to flow continuously to be considered a water of the United States. A waterway could still qualify if it has a predictable dry period of up to 30 days, while a stream that regularly goes dry for about 90 days would not meet the proposed standard.
The EPA will now work with other agencies as it crafts the final rule.
