WOTUS 2.0

Rick Worthington

A new, clear definition for “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) is now in place, after President Trump’s finalized, revised definition of WOTUS.

The National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross says, “Farmers are committed to protecting the environment and implementing on-farm soil health practices like planting cover crops, reducing tillage, and more carefully managing crop residue. This new rule gives the flexibility and clarity needed to implement stewardship practices without the threat of government action. The final WOTUS rule will protect our nation’s water and be implemented without confusion, which is welcome news for farmers. NCGA appreciates the work done by the Trump administration to provide this regulatory certainty,” says Ross.

For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army recognize the difference between federally protected wetlands and state-protected wetlands. It adheres to the statutory limits of the agencies’ authority. It also ensures that America’s water protections – among the best in the world – remain strong, while giving states and tribes the certainty to manage their waters in ways that best protect their natural resources and local economies.

The rule has been hailed by many farmers and ranchers for respecting the primary role of states and tribes in managing their own land and water resources.