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EPA eyes clarity on WOTUS definition, rule

The nation’s top environmental official says the EPA is in the final stages of a Waters of the U.S. rule and that could bring stability to the ag industry.

During remarks at a federal issues forum hosted by Senator Pete Ricketts on Friday, Administrator Lee Zeldin says the draft is going through review. “Over the course of the next few weeks, we will hopefully be concluding the interagency process and then it will come out for public comment.”

Speaking with reporters after the event, Zeldin told Brownfield the WOTUS rule needs to be simple. “We want more of America to be able to understand the definition of what is waters of the United States without having to hire an attorney (or) consultant.”

And, he said, “I would like to see the country operating off of one definition as opposed to multiple definitions, and we want to get it right.”

Nebraska Corn Growers Association President Michael Dibbern says a robust rule could eliminate uncertainty that has been created between administrations. “We can finally find some good ground, good footing and definitions towards what is navigable and what is a waterway that needs protecting and it’s not my irrigation flood ditch in the backyard.”

Zeldin says once the proposed rule has been made public, he encourages ag producers to provide feedback before it’s finalized.