Supreme Court Rules EPA Overreached on Clean Water Act
Tim Hammerich
News Reporter
The Supreme Court released its opinion on the Sackett v. EPA case, limiting the scope of the Clean Water Act. Travis Cushman, American Farm Bureau Federation Deputy General Counsel, says the ruling confirms that the EPA clearly overstepped its authority under the Clean Water Act.
Cushman… “The court unanimously ruled in favor of the Sackett family. This is a huge, huge win. Essentially, the EPA and the US Army Corps definition of WOTUS, the court found to be just wildly unlawful…”
Cushman says the Supreme Court decision brings more clarity to the rule for farmers and ranchers.
Cushman… “The interpretation the Supreme Court adopted was the same one that we've been advocating for. Basically, it means that farms and ranches should now be able to have much greater clarity on where jurisdiction begins and ends, what features in their lands are safe to farm on. Beforehand, the EPA could essentially claim jurisdiction over almost anything, and now that ability of the EPA is much, much, more limited to things that the Clean Water Act actually contemplates as waters.”
Cushman says the ruling does not vacate the 2023 WOTUS Rule, but practically that rule is now gutted.
Cushman… “It says the current rule would not withstand judicial scrutiny, it would be unlawful so the current rule remains in the book. But practically speaking, EPA, the U.S. Army Corps can't be implementing it anywhere, and the EPA will need to go back we write a new rule.”
That’s Travis Cushman with the American Farm Bureau.
