Graves Applauds Trump Administration’s Action to Provide Clarity on Waters of the United States

November 17, 2025

Press Release

The Administration's WOTUS rule, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, aligns with the Supreme Court's 2023 Sackett decision, which appropriately recognized that there are reasonable limits to the federal government's regulatory authority under the CWA. Today's announcement follows previous efforts by the Biden Administration to dramatically expand federal regulatory power under the law, and it provides much-needed durability to defining what waters are and are not subject to federal regulation under the CWA.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) said, "This action by the Trump Administration is a victory for common sense. Farmers, infrastructure builders, small businesses, manufacturers, home builders, local communities, and property owners will be able to function under a more reasonable regulatory environment without having to worry about the federal government constantly breathing down their necks. We can and will continue to ensure water quality throughout our nation under the Clean Water Act, but this proposed rule also protects the rights of states, individuals, and businesses to produce our food and goods, build infrastructure projects, and grow the economy."