Trump Signs Executive Order to Eliminate WOTUS

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to do away with the Waters of the U.S. Rule. The American Farm Bureau called it a welcome relief to farmers and ranchers across the country. “The flawed WOTUS rule has proven to be nothing more than a federal land grab,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, “aimed at telling farmers and ranchers how to run their business. The Environmental Protection Agency failed to listen to farmers and ranchers when they drafted the rule and caused widespread confusion for agriculture.”

However, Politico’s Morning Agriculture Report points out that the executive order may not have a big effect right away. An appeals court put WOTUS on hold while legal challenges are played out. Also, actually withdrawing the rule would require the agency to go through the formal rulemaking process once again. That includes another proposal, notice, and comment period, and then a final rule. Environmental groups still support the rule and would certainly mount a legal challenge against getting rid of the WOTUS rule.

Source:  NAFB News