Simplified WOTUS Definitition Announced

The Waters of the United States rule is getting another revision. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said this change will stand the test of time. “We are not looking for this to be ping pong anymore, what we’re looking for is to simply follow the guidance from Sackett (Supreme Court ruling).” said Zeldin. “It gave us a clear path in determining the waters of the United States. It found only those wetlands with a ‘continuous surface connection to a relatively permanent water’ are Waters of the United States. The court also struck down the long-utilized significant nexus test leaving only those wetlands that abut or are adjacent to waters of the United States as jurisdictional.” Zeldin said his agency will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to cut permitting costs and reduce red tape. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall was part of the announcement and said WOTUS has been a pain in the side for farmers. “This is a first big step in a very difficult farm economy that gives farmers and ranchers hope, hope that good things are going to happen in the future.” The reaction has been predictable. The Union of Concerned Scientists said the Trump Administration is giving a green light to industrial agriculture to pollute and drain wetlands. On the other end of the spectrum, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association praised the new EPA administrator for closing a long ‘chapter of severe regulatory whiplash.’