Notice from the American Farm Bureau Association:

“Farmers and ranchers are committed to protecting clean water. But commonsense efforts to protect the environment are made harder when federal rules are confusing or overreaching. That’s why the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule has remained a top concern for farmers and ranchers nationwide.

The definition of WOTUS has bounced back and forth between administrations for over a decade, creating uncertainty and risk for landowners. In 2023, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized a WOTUS rule that reintroduced a vague and unworkable standard, one that was later rejected by the Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA. That ruling was a major win for agriculture, establishing clear limits on federal overreach and eliminating the “significant nexus” test. However, the updated rule that followed still leaves in place broad, unclear standards that continue to create confusion and concern.

What’s happening: We expect EPA to release a new proposed rule on WOTUS very soon. Once that happens, there will likely be only a 30-day public comment period. That’s a short window for farmers and ranchers to make their voices heard and it’s critical that they do. We’ll be sending an Action Alert as soon as the comment period opens.

In the meantime, we want you to be ready.

Be prepared: Please keep an eye on your inbox and be ready to submit a comment when the time comes. Your voice matters, and together we can fight for rules that are fair, clear, and respectful.

Sincerely,

The FB Advocacy Team”