AFBF - American Farm Bureau Federation

10/09/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2026 06:49

AFBF Comments on Proposed WOTUS Rule

Courtney Briggs

Managing Director, Government Affairs

Chad Smith

Associate News Service Editor, NAFB

The American Farm Bureau Federation submitted comments on the EPAs proposed Waters of the U.S. Rule. Chad Smith tells us farmers believe the proposed rule is a step in the right direction.

Smith: The American Farm Bureau joined other agriculture stakeholders in submitting comments after reviewing the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed "Waters of the United States" Rule. Courtney Briggs, managing director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau, said the proposed rule does a good job addressing farmer concerns.
Briggs: It's injecting a lot of clarity and certainty into the definition of WOTUS. We believe this proposed rule is an important step towards aligning the definition of WOTUS with the Supreme Court's Sackett decision in providing the clear and workable boundaries that farmers need.
Smith: Briggs said it's effective from a legal and policy perspective.
Briggs: But with that said, getting the rule right on paper is only part of the equation. A regulation also has to work in practice on the ground for farmers and ranchers, and there are often growing pains when these regulatory changes occur. We just want to make sure that we can work with this administration to make sure that this is implemented correctly.
Smith: She's hopeful the next steps happen quickly to help farmers with the clarity they need on water issues.
Briggs: From here, EPA and the Corps will review the comments submitted on not just this proposed rule, the supplemental proposal, but also comments received previously on the original proposal, and then move forward towards a final rule.
Smith: Chad Smith, Washington.
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