Comments On WOTUS Proposal Being Accepted Through Monday

The comment period on EPA’s new Waters of the U.S. Rule will close in early 2026.  The proposed rule would give the farming industry more clarity on what constitutes a water of the U.S.  The public comment deadline is Monday, January 5th.

“It's important that the EPA and the Army Corps hear the voice of agriculture," said Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation.  They can go to regulations.gov and search for WOTUS and provide their comments there, or on our Website, and you can go to our advocacy page, and we have set it up for our members to engage."

Briggs said it’s important that farmers highlight this is a “durable rule.”

“One that faithfully implements the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett, and one that we think is going to inject a lot of clarity and certainty for the regulated community," Briggs said.  "So, I think farmers need to express that this is a positive rule moving in the right direction, and express their support for the rule.”

Even though the deadline for submitting comments is Monday, there is still a lengthy process before the rule can be implemented.

"Folks have until January 5th to provide comments, and then the rest of the regulatory process needs to play out," Briggs said.  "EPA and the Corps need to review all the comments and provide responses, and then there needs to be another round of interagency review.”

Visit the Farm Bureau's Website to learn more.

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