The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released an updated rule on August 29, 2023, to protect public water from contaminants. The rule, called the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, was amended to conform with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that scaled back the EPA's authority to regulate waterways.
The significant nexus test, which was a method federal agency used to determine if waters were subject to federal regulations, was taken out of the updated WOTUS Rule. The Missouri Farm Bureau, which represents farmers and ranchers in the state, approved of eliminating the significant nexus test but took issue with the relatively permanent standard remaining. The Farm Bureau said it appears the EPA "still wants to lay claim to private lands."
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture also released a statement in opposition to the updated federal water regulations. The group of agricultural leaders asked the EPA and USACE for an engagement opportunity to offer input on the updated rule, but it didn't get one.
The EPA and USACE are hosting a public webinar on September 12 to provide updates on the WOTUS Rule. Registration information is available on the EPA's website. The agencies are also planning listening sessions with stakeholders this fall.
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Categories: Missouri, General