What They are Saying: Leaders Throughout the Country Applaud EPA’s Proposal to Clearly Define Definition of Waters of the United States

WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Adam Telle, unveiled a proposed rule that would establish a clear, durable, common-sense definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The announcement took place at EPA Headquarters with over one hundred state and industry leaders in attendance.

The proposed rule responds to the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA and fulfills the Trump Administration's pledge to protect America's waters while providing regulatory certainty for farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and energy developers.

Here’s what people are saying:

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle: “In recent decades, the regulatory uncertainty caused by changing and complicated definitions of Waters of the United States unduly burdened the American people and undermined our nation’s economic competitiveness. Now, we are proposing a definition that follows the law as affirmed by the Supreme Court and will deliver the clear and durable regulatory certainty Americans deserve from the federal government.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins: “The proposed WOTUS definition is a victory for rural America!!! Huge thanks to EPA Administrator Zeldin for rolling back the heavy-handed and confusing WOTUS rules. Our agricultural community is this country’s most ardent and dedicated advocate for conservation, and our rules should treat them as a partner, NOT a villain!”

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen: “WOTUS was vast government overreach. President Trump’s Administration — especially Administrator Zeldin — is delivering another victory for farming and ranching families, eliminating needless regulation that impeded the lives and work of landowners and ag producers. Nebraska's water is the lifeblood of our state and core to the work agriculture does. Nobody cares more about the stewardship of our resources than Nebraskans.” 

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds: “Great news for Iowa farmers and landowners! Thank you, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for providing clarity and cutting burdensome regulations for America’s agriculture industry.” 

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV): “I applaud the Trump EPA’s proposed rule to make the regulatory definition of waters of the United States consistent with the text of the Clean Water Act. This proposal takes an important step toward providing a clear and legally-sound framework that aligns with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and right-sizes federal jurisdiction. I appreciate the Trump EPA’s effort to take public input in developing this proposal, including by holding a listening session in Charleston to allow West Virginians the opportunity to share their perspectives. The proposed rule ensures that only wetlands with a true, continuous connection to jurisdictional waters fall under federal oversight. This action will reduce unnecessary burdens and bring predictability to the landowners, farmers, energy producers, and builders who rely on understandable and workable regulations, while continuing to protect our nation’s water. Today’s announcement is welcomed news, and I look forward to the final WOTUS rule in the coming months.” 

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR): “The Trump Administration is eliminating the confusion that farmers and ranchers have faced when trying to follow rules that protect the water they depend on. This proposed definition aligns with the Supreme Court ruling reining in federal overreach and delivers the certainty and predictability America’s agricultural producers have long called for.” 

Senator John Barrasso (R-WY): “I applaud the Trump administration for protecting water resources in the West and respecting local authority. The Biden-era WOTUS rule gave Washington control of everything from ponds to prairie potholes. This new proposal stands with Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and landowners by protecting our water from federal overreach.” 

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL): “I am sincerely grateful to Administrator Zeldin for taking a thoughtful, commonsense approach to revising the WOTUS rule. I’ve long called for regulatory certainty to allow Alabama’s farmers, cattlemen, manufacturers, energy producers, builders, landowners, and small businesses to do what they do best—without a red tape regime. Today’s announcement is a win for hardworking Americans.”

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND): “We all know Agriculture and energy are North Dakota’s economic foundation. We feed and fuel the world, but these industries really need regulatory stability to attract the type of investment we need to thrive. When President Obama unveiled the WOTUS rule, he kicked off a period of incredible disruption. Instead of focusing on economic growth, our farmers, ranchers, energy producers, and manufacturers were forced to check in with the federal government before they could touch a pothole or a ditch, no matter how ephemeral or transient that water source is. The Biden administration of course continued the overreach, making it clear leftist bureaucrats would never give up their vision of controlling North Dakota and America’s resources. The Supreme Court weighed in, and they were unambiguous when they put in clear parameters around the federal government’s authority. The Trump administration’s rule simply ends the whiplash and does exactly what the law and the Supreme Court tasked it to do—protect our water while respecting our economy, states’ rights, and most importantly, the rights of landowners. Thank you to President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, Assistant Administrator Kramer, and the state of North Dakota for fighting back against the overreach and serving as North Dakota’s true water protectors.” 

Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA): “Thank you, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin! During my first year in the Senate, Obama vetoed my bill to overturn the disastrous WOTUS rule. I never stopped fighting for Iowans, and today marks a major win for farmers, landowners, and small businesses against the overreaching regulatory state.” 

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA): “Good news from EPA this week as Trump admin continues roll back of government overreach with proposal of new WOTUS rules...Trump admin's action is a win for Iowa family farmers and common sense.”

Senator John Hoeven (R-ND): “The impact of the Biden-era WOTUS rule would have been far-reaching and costly. Our farmers, ranchers and energy producers, among many others, would have been bogged down in federal permitting for everyday activities, imposing an unworkable regulatory burden and inflating not only their operating costs, but ultimately prices for consumers. That’s why I worked to hold back this regulatory overreach under the Biden and Obama administrations and support the Trump administration in advancing a WOTUS definition that respects private property rights and the regulatory role of states. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin for working with us on this priority, and I encourage North Dakotans to submit their feedback to the EPA to ensure the final rule meets the needs of our state.”

Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY): “Wyoming farmers, ranchers, and landowners shouldn’t have every puddle or gully regulated by DC bureaucrats. Folks deserve a clear definition — and this delivers. Glad the Trump EPA created a rule people can actually count on.”

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS): “The EPA has proposed a rule to clearly define Waters of the U.S. & rollback burdensome regulations. It aims to promote clean water while providing clarity for KS ag producers & landowners — a welcome change from the overreaching Biden-era WOTUS rule.”

Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE): “This is what reining in overregulation looks like. The Obama and Biden administrations tried to illegally increase the EPA’s authority. The Trump administration is following the law. This action will deliver clarity and predictability for Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and small business owners. I applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for delivering on the promise they made to end regulatory overreach.”

Senator Jim Risch (R-ID): “For years, Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners have been fighting to protect our water against federal overreach. Today, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin delivered with a commonsense WOTUS rule. This rule will protect Idaho agriculture, strengthen American industry, and reaffirm state authority in water management.”

Senator Todd Young (R-IN): “The EPA’s new WOTUS rule delivers the regulatory certainty Hoosier farmers, manufacturers, and energy producers need while protecting important water resources. This rule gives Indiana’s rural communities the clarity needed to feed and fuel our country.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN-06): “Thank you, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, for giving Minnesota’s farmers and landowners the clarity they deserve by ending previous administrations’ weaponization of ‘Waters of the United States.’ MAGA means getting the D.C. bureaucracy OFF private lands.” 

Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA-10): “The definition of a ‘water of the United States’ has been weaponized by federal agencies to infringe on the property rights of farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and landowners for far too long. The announcement by President Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin will end the abuse of power by Washington bureaucrats and restore freedom to landowners across the country. The era of overregulation is over, and we are lucky to have a president that prioritizes freedom, growth, and prosperity instead of government control.”

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO-06) : “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.”

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL-21): “From lakes to estuaries to water runoff, no one cares more about the water than the communities whose livelihoods depend on it.”

House Interior and Environment Appropriations Committee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID-02): “I’d like to thank Administrator Zeldin, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and the staff of the EPA’s water division – this is something that has been going on for a long time. . . As Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Committee and former Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Committee, I’ve always added language in appropriations bills to make sure that we’ve defunded the enforcement of the WOTUS rule that had been written and rewritten and rewritten…As you all know, the Supreme Court said we need to make sense of this rule…I’ve always added language [in these bills] that said the EPA and the Army Corps need to rewrite this rule so that ranchers, farmers, businesses, and state governments have certainty and predictability.”

House Vice Chair of the Western Caucus Adrian Smith (R-NE-03): “Today’s announcement is a win for farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the United States. For years, overreaching and inconsistent WOTUS definitions have created burdensome red tape and threatened property rights in rural America. I applaud Administrator Zeldin for taking the necessary action to restore certainty and common sense.”

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15): “For too long, WOTUS allowed Washington to overreach into the everyday work of farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Today’s action is a strong step in finally delivering a clear, practical definition that ends the needless permitting headaches created by the Biden-era rule. By following through on a promise to rural America, Administrator Zeldin is restoring certainty and trust where it’s long been needed.”

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04): “Grateful for the opportunity to join EPA Administrator Zeldin for today’s announcement of a much-anticipated rule to create greater clarity and regulatory certainty for our farmers, small businesses, and communities across the country. Creating greater certainty by defining the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) will cut red tape and place the power back into the hands of our states and territories who know what’s best for their own land and resources. This commonsense ruling is a path forward for lowering costs for everyday Americans and protecting our states’ rights so they can produce more goods, build better infrastructure, and grow our economy.” 

Representative Rick Allen (R-GA-12): “The EPA’s proposed WOTUS rule provides much-needed clarity—eliminating ambiguity on what defines a navigable waterway. If finalized, this common-sense definition is a win for farmers, businesses, and landowners in Georgia and across the country.” 

Representative Jim Baird (R-IN-04): “I was honored to join Administrator Zeldin at the EPA today as he put forward a proposed rule to define Waters of the United States, end the Biden Administration’s federal overreach, and restore certainty and clarity to our farmers and ranchers while protecting our precious water resources.” 

Representative Ron Estes (R-KS-04): “For too long, overzealous bureaucrats in Washington have tried to micromanage the ponds and puddles in Kansas without regard for the conservation work of the men and women who care for the land each and every day. The newly proposed WOTUS rule promotes clean water without inhibiting ag and energy producers and landowners. It upholds the Supreme Court's Sackett decision and works with Kansas farmers and ranchers, not against them, to be good stewards of our natural resources – something they've been doing for generations.” 

Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04): “Thank you to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for delivering certainty for our farmers & rural communities through a clearer definition of WOTUS. This decision will allow our farmers to grow the food and fuel we depend on while protecting landowners and keeping our water clean.” 

Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN-01): “A big win for Minnesota’s farmers, businesses, and landowners. The Trump EPA’s new proposed WOTUS definition finally brings the clarity folks have been asking for and puts an end to federal overreach.” 

Representative French Hill (R-AR-02): “Great news! The new guidance will bring clarity and regulatory certainty for farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small businesses in Arkansas and across the nation. Thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin!” 

Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL): “Thank you, Administrator Zeldin for issuing a commonsense definition for WOTUS – a puddle on a farm is not a navigable waterway. EPA’s rule is great news for farmers and landowners across the country, protecting them from burdensome federal overreach.” 

Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01): “The EPA and Army Corps took a step in the right direction today. Their new WOTUS proposal follows the Sackett decision and reins in years of federal overreach that hit farmers, ranchers, and landowners with needless red tape. This update brings back a commonsense reading of the law, focusing on waters that truly fall under federal jurisdiction and ending the push to regulate ditches, groundwater, and other features that were never meant to be controlled from Washington. This move restores clarity and returns authority to states and property owners while keeping clean water protections in place. I’m glad to see the EPA shift toward a more reasonable, practical approach.” 

Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03): “A big win for Oklahomans and landowners across the country.” 

Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04): “Thank you EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for putting the rights of farmers and landowners over D.C. bureaucracy. The Biden admin tried to regulate every stream, puddle, and ditch, but this proposal is grounded in common sense and keeps the federal government off private land.” 

Representative Randy Weber (R-TX-14): “With EPA Administrator Zeldin today as the EPA begins updating the Biden-era WOTUS rule with a clearer definition that brings real certainty back to America’s landowners. Major win for our farmers, ranchers, and builders across America. This is the GREAT AMERICAN COMEBACK!” 

House GOP Committee on Agriculture: “For too long, WOTUS allowed Washington to overreach into the everyday work of farmers, ranchers, and landowners. Today’s action is a strong step in finally delivering a clear, practical definition that ends the needless permitting headaches created by the Biden-era WOTUS rule. By following through on a promise to rural America, Administrator Zeldin is restoring certainty and trust where it’s long been needed. Thank you, Administrator Zeldin!” 

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper: “For more than the last decade, conflicting WOTUS rules have created significant uncertainty for American farmers and have been the mechanism for a shocking amount of federal government overreach. I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for proposing a WOTUS rule that is grounded in common sense and delivers clarity that farmers, ranchers, and other landowners have desperately needed. This another important step toward fixing America’s Ag economy and restoring rural prosperity!” 

West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey: “Amazing work from Administrator Lee Zeldin and the EPA in finally making WOTUS work - make it reasonable and to make the regulations understandable for our farmers, ranchers, miners, drillers and manufacturers.  This reform is long overdue. West Virginia led the way under Governor Morrisey and continues with the Attorney General’s leadership to transform the regulatory environment in our country!” 

America First Policy Institute (AFPI) Senior Fellow for Energy Policy Carla Sands and Vice-Chair Kip Tom: “AFPI welcomes today’s proposed rule by EPA and USACE, which finally conforms WOTUS under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to the much-welcomed 2023 Sackett vs. EPA Supreme Court decision. Farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and energy producers have been awaiting such a rulemaking. As we’ve stated before, the notion that every puddle on a farm and prairie pothole on a small business’s property requires federal oversight presumes that human impact on the environment is inherently negative. This just isn’t the case, as farmers and landowners are careful stewards of their land. We look forward to reviewing the proposed rule and working with the administration to finalize a durable and narrow definition of WOTUS that provides lasting predictability and certainty to Americans.” 

American Chemistry Council Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Kimberly Wise White: “We appreciate the leadership of Administrator Zeldin and the Corps in advancing a rule that reflects both legal precedent and practical implementation. The proposed rule represents meaningful progress toward greater regulatory certainty, predictability, and transparency in the Clean Water Act program, and we look forward to engaging constructively in the public comment process.”  

American Exploration & Mining Association Executive Director Mark Compton: “We are grateful for the many months and long hours that have gone into the development of this proposal. The new WOTUS rule takes huge steps to provide the clarity and certainty that America’s hardrock mining industry needs.  We need a rule that complies with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and eliminates the regulatory ping-pong.  As we finish our review, we will look forward to providing feedback to EPA and the Corps.” 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “We are pleased that the new rule protects critical water sources while respecting the efforts of farmers to protect the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with. The Supreme Court clearly ruled several years ago that the government overreached in its interpretation of what fell under federal guidelines. We are still reviewing the entire rule, but we are pleased that it finally addresses those concerns and takes steps to provide much-needed clarity.” 

American Forest and Paper Association: “Thank you, EPA Administrator Zeldin and the White House for revising the definition of WOTUS to bring clarity and predictability for U.S. manufacturing. This is welcome news for the U.S. paper manufacturing industry.” 

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Vice President of Environment Paul Balserak: “AISI applauds EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers on this new proposed rule, which seeks to finally resolve the uncertainty over the scope of federally protected waters that has caused unnecessary costs and delays to industries seeking to build or expand facilities. Once finalized, the rule will ensure clarity and predictability for steel producers and other manufacturers and will streamline the permitting process and lead to greater opportunities for economic growth while continuing to protect the environment.” 

American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President and CEO Dave Bauer: “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin, projects that keep Americans safe and get them out of traffic will face one less bureaucratic hurdle. Today’s proposal reflects what the law and common sense have always said: a ditch is not a navigable waterway. EPA’s move is a long-needed return to reality that respects the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and protects real waterways, not every puddle or ditch. ARTBA looks forward to working with the administration to finalize this rule.” 

Americans for Prosperity Fellow for Energy Policy Faith Burns: “This is a giant step forward to unleashing American energy abundance. Nearly every earth moving activity, from the construction of LNG pipelines to oil and gas drilling to home construction, is subject to an evaluation of whether any ‘waters of the United States’ could be impacted.  It is also a strong reminder that our businesses need clarity, consistency, and predictability to plan and invest in this economy. Monday, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle recommended clawing back more of the sweeping authority the agencies have used to stop landowners, farmers, manufacturers, and individuals seeking to build across America.” 

American Soybean Association (ASA) President Caleb Ragland: “Soybean farmers have been asking for a WOTUS definition we can actually put to work on the ground. For too long, shifting interpretations have created real uncertainty about whether everyday decisions might trigger federal oversight. We appreciate that the administration, along with Administrator Lee Zeldin and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, is moving toward a definition that reflects how water interacts with working farmland and respects the conservation practices growers already use. Aligning the rule with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision and preserving long-standing exemptions for normal farm work gives producers clearer expectations and reduces the risk of costly delays or compliance surprises.” 

America’s Power President and CEO Michelle Bloodworth: “America’s Power commends EPA Administrator Zeldin for proposing a new WOTUS rule that restores common sense and regulatory certainty under the Clean Water Act. By aligning with the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision, this proposal cuts red tape, emphasizes cooperative federalism, and ensures that only permanent surface waters are subject to federal regulation. This proposal is consistent with many other actions by the agency that promote economic growth, lower energy prices, and provide greater clarity for regulated industries. We look forward to reviewing the WOTUS proposal in detail and working with EPA to finalize a rule that supports both environmental protection and the nation’s energy security.” 

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Vice President of Government Affairs Kristen Swearingen: “ABC supports the Trump administration’s proposed rule to clarify the Clean Water Act’s definition of WOTUS. This rule would alleviate the confusion and delays caused by the prior administration’s policies, including its failure to fully implement the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. We welcome the administration’s commitment to establishing a clear definition of WOTUS and reasonable boundaries on the scope of federal permitting. ABC looks forward to fully reviewing the Trump administration’s proposed rule and providing comments to assist the EPA and USACE in our shared goal of ensuring the efficient construction of critical infrastructure projects while maintaining water quality.” 

Associated General Contractors of America Vice-President of Government Relations Alex Etchen: “We have anticipated the new Waters of the United States proposal and will thoroughly review the details of the proposal during the comment period. We have long advocated for a sensible approach that fully aligns with the statute and recent Supreme Court decisions. And we appreciate the Trump administration's willingness to engage with stakeholders throughout this process and ensure that contractors have certainty about when they need to obtain a federal permit.”

Forest Landowners Association CEO Scott Jones: “[EPA and Army] deserve real credit for listening to rural stakeholders and delivering a clear and consistent path forward. In the face of multiple crises, from natural disasters to ongoing market uncertainty, America’s forest landowners need regulatory clarity more than ever. By grounding this proposal in the Sackett decision, the agencies are providing much-needed certainty for landowners who make generational investments in working forests and take pride in being responsible stewards.” 

Forest Landowners Association Vice President of Government Affairs Craig Anderson: “This proposal is a meaningful step toward restoring trust and predictability for rural America. By ensuring the definition of federal waters is consistent with the Sackett ruling, EPA and the Department of the Army are giving forest landowners the clarity they need to manage healthy forests and support the communities that depend on them.”

Gas Processors Association (GPA) Midstream: “GPA Midstream appreciates actions the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken to implement the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA...we cannot overstate the importance of EPA’s definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ as it defines the scope of regulation under several Clean Water Act programs. Upon initial review, GPA Midstream observes that the administration has proposed a simple and easy to understand definition of WOTUS. We believe this not only accords with Congressional intent and Supreme Court precedent but avoids unnecessary delays, costs, and disputes in expanding and operating critical energy infrastructure.” 

Global Energy Institute at the U.S Chamber of Commerce President Marty Durbin: “The EPA’s announcement today marks a critical step toward providing clarity and balance under the Clean Water Act. By further aligning the new WOTUS proposal with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, the agency has the opportunity to establish a clear framework that supports environmental protection while reducing regulatory ambiguity. This approach is essential for advancing infrastructure projects, supporting economic growth, and ensuring businesses and landowners can operate with confidence.” 

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins: “We applaud the Administration for taking this critical step forward with the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. This action is long overdue, and we are pleased to see meaningful progress on an issue that has remained ambiguous and burdensome for far too long. For years, landowners, farmers and stakeholders across the country have faced uncertainty and mounting legal fees when trying to determine which waters fall under federal jurisdiction. While our team is still reviewing the proposed rule, it is clear that this new rule provides much-needed clarity, consistency, and a more practical framework for compliance, while still protecting vital water resources. We thank the Administration for listening to the concerns of those most directly impacted and for working toward a rule that balances environmental protection with regulatory certainty. It’s a step in the right direction that will benefit landowners and the environment alike. Missouri Farm Bureau has been a leader on this issue for decades, and we look forward to providing comments to the Administration to advocate for a clear, durable rule that will stand the test of time.” 

National Apartment Association President and CEO Bob Pinnegar: “The National Apartment Association (NAA) supports efforts to clarify and appropriately scope the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The definition adopted in the previous rule was overbroad and threatens the rental housing industry’s ability to produce the units needed amid such a housing supply shortage nationwide. An appropriately scoped revision would provide much needed clarity and regulatory relief for developers across the country as they work to meet the nation's rental housing needs.”

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Buddy Hughes: “NAHB commends the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its proposed changes to the ‘waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) rule. The proposed rule honors and aligns with the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA and gives builders much-needed clarity by defining which waters are subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. This is a significant step toward reducing regulatory red tape, cutting permitting costs and lowering the cost of doing business in communities across the country—all while continuing to protect our nation’s vital waterways. By improving regulatory consistency and predictability, this rule will help alleviate federal permitting roadblocks and ensure that more Americans can access affordable homes.” 

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons: “Manufacturers thank EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for listening to the concerns of our industry and revising the definition of the Waters of the United States rule to bring certainty and predictability. For too long, the regulatory structure under the WOTUS rule, which often has included shifting and unclear definitions, has created legal uncertainty for manufacturers in the U.S., undermining our ability to invest and build across the country. Understanding which bodies of water require federal oversight under the Clean Water Act is critical for manufacturers planning new projects. Manufacturers have spent decades calling for a durable, practical approach to WOTUS—one that provides clear permitting standards and supports our industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Even after the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA, which established a narrower definition for bodies of water that fall under federal jurisdiction, the EPA’s 2023 rule unnecessarily rewrote critical permitting standards, overlooked substantial public input and failed to fully reflect the Court’s guidance. Manufacturers appreciate Administrator Zeldin’s leadership in advancing this proposal, which provides a definition that is more consistent with the law and that better serves manufacturers and the communities we support across America. We look forward to working with the agency to achieve a strong final rule for manufacturers.”

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted McKinney: “NASDA appreciates EPA listening to input from state departments of agriculture and other stakeholders regarding problems with prior WOTUS rulemakings. NASDA is pleased that our federal colleagues are now working cooperatively with state co-regulators to ensure the goals of the Clean Water Act are met while minimizing unjustified interference with agricultural and other activities that feed, clothe, and house Americans and drive our nations’ economy. NASDA is excited to properly re-engage with EPA under cooperative federalism to ensure our local water resources are protected and farmers have the information and resources they need to make the best decisions about how to manage their land.” 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Buck Wehrbein: “Waters of the U.S. has been a longstanding and frustrating issue for family farmers and ranchers. Every few years, the definition of a ‘water of the U.S.’ has changed. Often, this meant that small water features like prairie potholes or dry ditches suddenly fell under federal regulation. NCBA has spent years fighting to protect cattle producers from excessive red tape. We went to the EPA, advocated on Capitol Hill, and even took this issue all the way up to the Supreme Court to protect our members from federal overreach. We appreciate the EPA finally fixing previous WOTUS rules and supporting America’s family farmers and ranchers.” 

National Club Association: “[NCA] is encouraged by the steps taken by EPA to provide certainty and clarity in what has been a long policy struggle to determine jurisdiction over the waters of the United States. Protecting our environment and natural resources for future generations is an important issue for the private club community. NCA supports federal policies that recognize the efforts of clubs that are working to improve the environment and the adoption of laws and regulations that are based on science and empirical data, clearly understandable and not overly burdensome to achieving the desired outcome. As both economic drivers and responsible stewards of open spaces and the environment, NCA supports this common-sense policy.” 

National Cotton Council Chairman Patrick Johnson: “Farmers across the Cotton Belt have waited years for a commonsense definition of WOTUS, and now we have one. The National Cotton Council welcomes the new rule from EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers that cuts red tape and gives producers the certainty they need.” 

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) President Brad Close: “The previous WOTUS regulation was a nightmare for small business landowners and all property owners. NFIB appreciates that the proposed rule seeks to fully implement and adhere to the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA, fosters economic prosperity for small businesses by providing WOTUS clarity and predictability, and appropriately balances state versus federal government authority, putting an end to the longstanding practice of federal bureaucratic overreach regarding WOTUS.” 

National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Rich Nolan: “Companies operating across all stages of mining have worked to move projects forward in a regulatory environment that has most closely resembled a ping-pong match with ever-changing rules. Our urgent minerals and energy needs are clear, and the regulations that allow us to meet those needs should be equally clear. We applaud the EPA's careful consideration of federal and state jurisdiction, definition of what constitutes a covered water feature that provides more regulatory certainty, and alignment with the Supreme Court's Sackett decision, all while ensuring the rigorous environmental protections that are key to any responsible project. The NMA looks forward to providing comments to EPA in support of the proposed rule.” 

National Multifamily Housing Council President Sharon Wilson Géno: “Onerous regulation exacerbates high housing costs and puts an affordable place to live out of reach for too many Americans.  We thank President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for this much-needed certainty on federal water permitting that can help boost housing construction and improve affordability nationwide.” 

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) President & CEO Michele Stanley: “On behalf of our members, NSSGA supports the Trump administration’s proposal to update the Waters of the U.S. rule. For too long, our members have struggled with delays stemming from a lack of certainty in permitting our operations. A rule with clarity helps our members provide materials for vital infrastructure projects, housing and energy.” 

National Turkey Federation President & CEO Leslee Oden: “Our industry believes strongly in responsibly managing the land and water involved in turkey production. The National Turkey Federation (NTF) appreciates the Trump Administration and EPA's initiative aimed at establishing a clearer definition of Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) that can offer regulatory certainty for turkey farmers. NTF support efforts that bring clarity, consistency and practical guidance for agricultural operations.” 

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue: “Clean water has and always will be the lifeblood for Nebraska's farmers and ranchers. Nebraska's abundant surface and groundwater resources are vital to the future of our industry and our state. Today's announced Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule appears to strike the right balance between protecting water quality and private property rights; a balance we've sought for over a decade. We will spend the days ahead thoroughly reviewing the Trump administration's latest WOTUS rule, and plan to again submit substantive comments. It is our hope that this rule will finally put this issue to rest as the near-constant regulatory uncertainty surrounding what falls under the federal government's regulatory jurisdiction must come to an end. However, Nebraska's farm and ranch families will only accept a balanced rule that protects our water resources and still allows them to do what they do best, grow food, fiber, and fuel for our nation and the world.” 

Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America CEO Bill Bullard: “We are pleased the EPA and Army Corps are working to conform the WOTUS regulations under the Clean Water Act to the Supreme Court decision in Sackett. Our initial review suggests this proposed rule is a commonsense approach to meeting Congress’s objective in protecting genuine navigable waters. For years, an overly broad definition has created uncertainty and exposed landowners to the risk of federal enforcement for routine land management practices. Farmers and ranchers need the clarity provided by the proposed rule so they will know what does and what does not constitute Clean Water Act jurisdiction without having to incur considerable legal expenses associated with overreaching enforcement actions.” 

Steel Manufacturers Association VP of Government Affairs Brandon Farris: “We commend Administrator Zeldin for unveiling a revised Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule that brings much-needed clarity and eases unnecessary regulatory burdens on manufacturers. For years, enforcement of the Clean Water Act has been plagued by uncertainty and inconsistency, enabling agency overreach and attempts to regulate water, and even dry land, well beyond the law’s intent. The Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA set out clear, common-sense limits, and today’s proposal marks the first regulation to fully align with that ruling. The Trump Administration’s EPA has remained committed to crafting practical, balanced regulations that safeguard both our environment and our economy, and this proposal is a strong example of that effort.”