LaMalfa Commends EPA’s Action to Reform Waters of the United States

Washington, D.C.-Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced their proposed rule to define waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule will fully implement the direction provided by the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. EPA, cutting red tape and bringing clarity for America's energy producers, farmers, ranchers, businesses, and landowners.

"After years of federal overreach, this action by the EPA is a win for commonsense," said Rep. LaMalfa. "Under the Biden Administration the EPA used a broad definition of WOTUS resulting in private property owners having their rights severely curtailed due to government overreach. Today's action is a step toward ending that abuse of power and restoring the rights of states, farmers, and landowners, while protecting clean water. I am pleased to see the EPA move toward a more reasonable and practical approach that reflects the true intent of the law."

The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register and is open to a 45-day public comment period. More detailed information on the proposed changes can be found here.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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