Press Releases

Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) applauded the Trump Administration’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement that the agency will revise the onerous Biden-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The EPA’s announcement will ensure WOTUS regulations more closely follow the guidance of the Sackett decision.
 
“During the Obama and Biden Administrations, landowners had their rights severely curtailed due to overly expansive interpretations of WOTUS,” said Chairman LaMalfa. “The EPA weaponized WOTUS, directing the Army Corps to target basic land management actions, like a farmer plowing a furrow, and absurdly claimed them to be ‘mini mountain ranges’ that altered U.S. waterways. I’m grateful for both the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration for reining in abuse and restoring the intent of WOTUS. As a farmer myself, I’m elated for the clarity, reasonableness and fairness that the revised WOTUS rule will bring.”
 
“We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers, and small businesses,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “The previous Administration’s definition of ‘waters of the United States’ placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business. Our goal is to protect America’s water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs, and families to help Power the Great American Comeback.” 
 
Background:
 
On May 25, 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled against the Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule in Sackett v. EPA, limiting the scope of definition of “waters of the United States.” Today’s announcement from EPA issues clarity on where Federal protections for “waters of the United States” apply, aligning agency guidance with the Sackett decision. Under the new guidance, only waters adjoining other protected waters or that have a continuous connection of surface water to another water apply.