Sep 20, 2017

Comment period still open for WOTUS rule action

The California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF) has issued a reminder that the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers published a proposed rule to withdraw the 2015 waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. The agencies are seeking input as part of the first step to revise the definition of “waters of the United States.”

“Fortunately, the 2015 WOTUS rule was never implemented because it was temporarily halted by federal courts,” CFBP stated. “However, these court orders are temporary. We strongly support the current proposal to permanently eliminate the 2015 WOTUS rule, and now we must ensure a WOTUS definition that protects water quality without asserting federal regulatory power over puddles in farm fields.”

According to CFBP, supporting the proposal to eliminate the 2015 WOTUS rule is essential for California farmers and ranchers because the 2015 rule has the potential to:

• Create unnecessary regulatory burdens for farmers, ranchers, and others who depend on their ability to work the land
• Increase costs for farmers, ranchers and others
• Produce unfair confusion and uncertainty

Comments on the 2015 WOTUS rule are due to the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers by Wednesday, Sept. 27.

In addition to providing written comments, the agencies will be holding a series of webinars to hear from stakeholders on recommendations to revise the definition of WOTUS. The agriculture industry webinar will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Information on how to register is available on the EPA website. Registration for the webinar will close a week prior. Individuals or organizations wishing to provide verbal recommendations during the webinar will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information visit the Federal Register Notice or Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203.