ARA Expresses Concern on EPA's Flawed, Unworkable WOTUS Rule

ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement expressing serious concern with the final "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers:

"ARA is extremely disappointed in the missed opportunity by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to follow the law and direction of the U.S. Supreme Court following the Sackett v. EPA decision to clearly define the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

"The agencies failed to fully address all of the issues raised by the Supreme Court without adequately engaging impacted stakeholders and state agencies serving as co-regulators. Repeating mistakes will only lead to the continuation of flawed, unworkable regulations that will be litigated in the federal courts.

"ARA and other impacted stakeholders from the agricultural industry remain interested and able to work with the agencies on regulations that follow both the spirit and intent of the court.”