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Ag groups celebrate WOTUS ruling

Farm and commodity groups are celebrating the court ruling that temporarily suspends nationwide implementation of the EPA’s Clean Water Rule, also known as Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).

Earlier today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (in Texas) issued a temporary stay of the WOTUS rule until the court can determine jurisdiction over the many pending lawsuits.  The ruling applies to all 50 states.

The National Pork Producers Council calls stoppage of the rule a “huge victory for farmers”. The American Farm Bureau Federation says it is pleased that the court recognized the “serious flaws” in the rule and granted more time for the courts to evaluate its impact on farmers, ranchers and other landowners.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association also welcomed the news, but NCBA president Philip Ellis says they will continue their efforts to kill the rule through federal legislation.

“We’re also encouraging the Senate to pass Senate file 1140, which would recall the rule—as the House has already done—to recall the rule and take another look at it,” Ellis says, “And we’re also working through Ag Appropriations to defund implementation of the rule. So we are working at this on every angle.”

State organizations are also applauding the court’s ruling. Nebraska Farm Bureau president Steve Nelson, speaking on behalf the Common Sense Nebraska coalition, calls it “validation of our overriding concerns”.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association says the WOTUS rule has been a major concern for its members. ICA says the rule has already generated “mass confusion” as to whether stock ponds and grassed waterways would be subject to new regulations.

Photo courtesy Nebraska Farm Bureau