WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Leaders Cheer EPA Administrator Zeldin’s Announcement to Revise Waters of the United States Rule
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lee Zeldin announced yesterday that EPA will work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to deliver on President’s Trump’s promise to review the definition of “waters of the United States.” The agencies will move quickly to ensure that a revised definition follows the law, reduces red-tape, cuts overall permitting costs, and lowers the cost of doing business in communities across the country while protecting the nation’s navigable waters from pollution. Given the U.S. Supreme Court’s watershed decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, it is time for EPA to finally address this issue once and for all in a way that provides American farmers, landowners, businesses, and states with clear and simplified direction.
Here’s what people are saying:
Cabinet Members
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “Farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of the land and need water regulations that are clear and practical, not burdensome. Thank you, Administrator Zeldin, for your leadership on this critical rule. USDA supports EPA’s revisions to WOTUS that provide certainty and recognize the key role that agriculture plays in protecting our natural resources. We’ll keep pushing for policies that let producers focus on what they do best—feeding, fueling and clothing our nation.”
Congress
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD): “The EPA’s announcement that it plans to roll back the Biden admin’s overreaching WOTUS rule is welcome news for property owners and producers throughout South Dakota. I look forward to seeing a WOTUS rule that reflects the needs of those it will impact most.”
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV): “I commend EPA and USACE for taking this first step to carefully provide the clarity landowners, farmers, businesses, and local governments have been asking for by refining the scope of WOTUS without excessive overreach. This action ensures that only wetlands with a true, continuous connection to jurisdictional waters fall under federal oversight, while eliminating ambiguity and unnecessary burdens for landowners and aligning with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision. Delivering a framework that is both clear and legally sound, refining key definitions, and rescinding prior vague and inconsistent guidance brings predictability to those who rely on clear and workable water regulations. It also reaffirms the importance of public input, with dedicated stakeholder engagement opportunities to ensure a balanced approach moving forward. I applaud the Trump administration for taking this smart, targeted approach to WOTUS that creates clarity without overreach and protections without confusion.”
Senator Katie Britt (R-AL): “President Donald Trump is doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Here we are, just a few mere weeks into this administration, and once again, we get to say ‘promises made, promises kept.’ There is no issue that when I travel the state of Alabama, literally every single county, that doesn’t come up more than this one. So, Mr. Administrator, I can’t thank you enough for getting to work day one . . . This was the very top of a long list of things that I wanted to see the EPA change course on, and that’s because it affects the daily lives of so many Alabamians.”
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND): “Our farmers, ranchers and landowners in North Dakota have always managed their water with the same respect as their land. There are a lot of people in the previous administration who just ignored the Sackett decision. The Biden rule was like putting a highway patrolman on every car, to seek their permission to go 65. This is a great new day, and I think you’ll be overwhelmed with good comments from Midwestern farmers. I look forward to participating and finding common ground based on common sense.”
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID): “The Trump Administration continues to deliver on promises to reduce the size and scope of the federal government in places where it does not belong--like momentary puddles and groundwater ditches. I thank Administrator Zeldin for his quick actions to revise WOTUS decisions within the law and under the Supreme Court’s clear ruling on navigable waters. It’s time to give water management policies back to state and local on-the-ground experts once and for all.”
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA): “For far too long, we have seen this grip of federal government really impacting daily Iowans’ lives… They've threatened our communities, threatened our livelihoods. I am really grateful that President Trump is righting this wrong and bringing more common sense back into the regulatory environment, especially surrounding our waters of the United States.”
Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE): “It is past time to give Americans clarity and certainty about the federal government's authority to regulate WOTUS. The EPA is taking steps to revise Biden-era regulatory overreach and deliver clarity.”
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA): “Great news for Iowa farmers today as the Trump Administration takes steps to roll back Obama/Biden WOTUS overreach and give clarity to farmers and landowners. Washington needs to adopt a commonsense binding definition of ‘WOTUS.’”
Senator John Hoeven (R-ND): “The Clean Water Act is clear about what constitutes the ‘waters of the U.S.’ Despite this, both the Biden and Obama administrations sought to extend their reach well past federal law to impose burdensome and costly permitting on our farmers, energy producers and construction industry, to name a few. We’ve been pushing back on this expanded WOTUS rule for years, advancing legislation to block its implementation and defund the regulation, while supporting efforts to fight it in court. We welcome today’s announcement to roll back the latest iteration of WOTUS and look forward to working with the Trump administration to ensure North Dakotans’ concerns are addressed as this rule is brought back into line with federal law.”
Senator Jim Lankford (R-OK): “Administrator Zeldin is right—we need clean water while also supporting our farmers and ranchers! His work reforming the Waters of the United States rule will help bring about the Great American Comeback.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY): “I am thrilled to learn that sanity has returned to the EPA. Today’s announcement by the agency outlines a path toward a sensible WOTUS definition that will provide clarity to Wyoming landowners in line with congressional intent and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett. I applaud Administrator Zeldin for his efforts to reduce the federal government’s footprint in what should be state and local jurisdiction. We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers, and small businesses. The previous Administration’s definition of ‘waters of the United States’ placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business. Our goal is to protect America’s water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs and families to help Power the Great American Comeback.”
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID): “Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners have been forced to comply with federal overreach for too long. Thank you President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for rolling back unreasonable WOTUS regulations.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL): “Biden’s Waters of the U.S. ruling put unnecessary and burdensome regulations on our farmers and landowners. I am glad to see EPA Administrator Zeldin restore common sense and sound science to the EPA.”
House Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI-09): “I am glad to see the Trump administration will conduct a review of this overreaching regulation, and I appreciate the years of hard work to reverse this decision by Chairman Sam Graves of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and others. Biden found a way to give the federal government even more control over the American people. If there was a drop of water, the Biden administration was determined to regulate it. Revising this rule will also help grow our economy and lower costs. This is a common-sense win for farmers, ranchers, landowners, your average mom-and-pop small business owner, and American families.”
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02): “For far too long, the ‘waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) rule has harmed the small businesses, farms, manufactures and homebuilders who have been forced to comply with its overly burdensome provisions. Today’s guidance from the EPA will help to update this rule to ensure that overly broad definitions are no longer having a negative impact on communities across our country. Thank you, Administrator Zeldin for your work on this important issue.”
House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO-06): “I strongly welcome this action by the President and Administrator Zeldin to provide desperately needed clarity on WOTUS. This is great news for farmers, small businesses, manufacturers, home builders, infrastructure builders, local communities and property owners across the country. The Biden Administration, with its costly and burdensome WOTUS rule, created confusion, uncertainty, and hardship for everyone by pushing the federal government’s regulatory powers far beyond the intent of the Clean Water Act. Even worse, they ignored the Supreme Court’s Sackett ruling that should have reigned in their illegal rulemaking. I’m glad that we and the American people now have allies in the Trump Administration who support a predictable, reasonable, workable, and stable regulatory environment that will protect water quality, protect the rights of states and individuals, and allow America to build infrastructure projects.”
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA-15): “The Administration's decision to revise the definition of 'Waters of the United States' is a crucial step in correcting years of regulatory overreach and continuous uncertainty for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. By aligning federal water protections with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, the EPA is restoring clarity, cutting burdensome red tape, and empowering local and state governments to manage their own water resources while ensuring economic growth and environmental stewardship. I thank Administrator Zeldin for listening to America’s farmers and bringing much needed relief to our rural communities.”
House Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01): “During the Obama and Biden Administrations, landowners had their rights severely curtailed due to overly expansive interpretations of WOTUS. The EPA weaponized WOTUS, directing the Army Corps to target basic land management actions, like a farmer plowing a furrow, and absurdly claimed them to be ‘mini mountain ranges’ that altered U.S. waterways. I’m grateful for both the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration for reining in abuse and restoring the intent of WOTUS. As a farmer myself, I’m elated for the clarity, reasonableness and fairness that the revised WOTUS rule will bring.”
Representative Jim Baird (R-IN-04): “The Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule hurt farmers and landowners in Indiana and across the country. I’m grateful to Administrator Zeldin for standing up for Indiana’s farmers and common sense, providing much-needed clarity on this rule, and stopping this burdensome government overreach!”
Representative Troy Balderson (R-OH-12): “I'm leading the legislation to nullify the Biden-era Clean Power Plan 2.0, which will shut down America’s most critical power plants & devastate the reliability of our grid. I applaud Administrator Zeldin & the EPA for reconsidering this dangerous rule.”
Representative Troy Balderson (R-OH-12): “I'm leading the legislation to nullify the Biden-era Clean Power Plan 2.0, which will shut down America’s most critical power plants & devastate the reliability of our grid. I applaud Administrator Zeldin & the EPA for reconsidering this dangerous rule.”
Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-05): “A ditch is not a river, and a puddle is not a lake. For years, the EPA’s overreach has burdened Eastern Washington’s farmers, landowners and small businesses. Administrator’s Zeldin’s steps will bring much-needed clarity and sanity to the meaning of ‘Waters of the United States,’ and put decisions about our land and water back into the hands of the people who know them best – our local communities. By clarifying water regulations and cutting red tape, we empower our farmers, ranchers and communities to thrive while ensuring the preservation of our vital water resources for generations to come. Clear rules pave the way for progress, allowing the land to continue feeding America, just as the rivers and streams of our region have nourished its people for centuries.”
Representative Cliff Bentz (R-OR-02): “I am glad to see progress is being made on providing clear WOTUS guidelines. Farmers and ranchers deserve regulatory certainty to manage their land without unnecessary bureaucratic overreach.”
Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12): “Remember the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule that put EPA bureaucrats in control of every waterway, ditch and farmland pond in America? President Trump rolled back this crippling overregulation during his first term, only for Biden to bring the hammer down on our farmers once again when he took office. Well, the Trump administration is fighting back once more, moving quickly to revise WOTUS to ensure it complies with federal law and no longer overburdens our farmers with red tape and high permitting costs. We all believe in keeping our water clean and safe, but that doesn’t have to come at the expense of the hardworking men and women in rural America who feed us and fuel our economy.”
Representative Ron Estes (R-KS-04): “Today the EPA announced it would review the definition of Waters of the United States, or WOTUS. For too long, Kansas farmers and ranchers have dealt with ambiguity and uncertainty as a zealous EPA attempted to dictate every pond and puddle in our state. Kansans are good stewards of the resources here in the Sunflower State and don't need bureaucrats in the swamp regulating the small water reserves on their land. This WOTUS announcement will relieve the burdensome provisions from the last administration while providing clarity and flexibility for the farmers, ranchers, communities and stakeholders who are caretakers of our water resources.”
Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04): “For years, I have called for the Biden administration’s radical interpretation of WOTUS to be thrown in the trash. This blatant government overreach saddles our producers with unnecessary red tape, increases operating costs, and empowers bureaucrats over landowners. I am very appreciative to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for working to write a new and much fairer WOTUS rule that will support Iowa farmers and our rural communities.”
Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN-01): “American farmers are the best environmentalists in the world, yet the previous administration tried to regulate every stream, puddle and creek on their land. I applaud the EPA’s decision to revise the WOTUS rule so that it aligns with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court ruling. This will provide our farmers with clarity and allow them to continue feeding and fueling the world without being burdened by unnecessary regulations.”
Representative Vince Fong (R-CA-20): “California farmers and ranchers are essential to feeding our nation, but the Biden Administration’s overreaching WOTUS rule threatened their livelihoods with burdensome regulations. Biden’s EPA weaponized WOTUS to impose federal control over private land, creating unnecessary red tape for our agricultural producers. I applaud the Trump Administration for rejecting this overreach and restoring common-sense water policies to our communities.”
Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13): “Biden weaponized Waters of the United States, causing regulatory whiplash for our farmers and ranchers. President Trump is making it right, bringing WOTUS in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling and restoring clarity. Big win for Texas ag! Thank you, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin!”
Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL): “I look forward to seeing the EPA’s revised WOTUS rule. Our farmers and ranchers are great stewards of our land—it’s time to cut burdensome red tape imposed on them from prior Administrations.”
Representative Julia Letlow (R-LA-05): “President Biden’s Waters of the U.S. rules represented massive government overreach, adding bureaucracy and uncertainty to the lives of our farmers. By fixing Biden’s unconstitutional WOTUS regulations, President Trump is providing relief for Louisiana farmers and landowners.”
Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-01): “Nearly two years ago, the Supreme Court made it clear that President Biden’s EPA abused the Clean Water Act to enact regulatory chaos with their definition of WOTUS. America’s farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers are the original conservationists of the land, and they need a simple, consistent definition of water that gives them certainty as they feed, fuel and clothe the world. Today’s announcement is a win for Kansas farmers, rural communities and private landowners. I applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for their relentless efforts to remove handcuffs and protect and defend America’s landowners. When government shrinks, freedom expands.”
Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04): “I applaud the EPA and Administrator Lee Zeldin’s decision to ensure the definition of ‘waters of the United States’ is aligned with the Sackett decision to provide long-term certainty for landowners. The Administrator’s efforts to overturn the harmful regulations of the previous administration is a critical step towards achieving American energy dominance and eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens on farmers, landowners, and businesses. I will continue to be an advocate for protecting the rights of private landowners against federal government overreach.”
Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA-O3): “Iowa’s farmers know the devastating impact the Waters of the United States rule has had on U.S. agriculture. That is why I voted against WOTUS and am pleased to see the Trump administration’s decision to revise the rule.”
Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT-04): “Finally—common sense is making a comeback at the EPA. I applaud Administrator Zeldin’s bold steps to roll back job-killing regulations, cut red tape, and unleash American energy dominance. Reversing burdensome emissions mandates and redefining WOTUS to align with the Supreme Court's Sackett decision is a huge victory for workers, farmers, and families across Utah and the nation.”
Representative David Rouzer (R-NC-07): “I commend President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for putting an end to the overreaching WOTUS rule. It has been a significant burden to our farmers, businesses, and communities. With the Trump Administration’s leadership, we are ensuring the federal government will no longer overstep its boundaries in regulating our waters and will instead adhere to what the law actually says. By aligning with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Sackett case, we are reining in federal overreach, eliminating the subjectivity of bureaucrats used to create law that was never intended by Congress, and protecting states’ rights. This is a win for common sense, the people and the Constitution.”
Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03): “This is a great step toward putting WOTUS abuse to bed. The EPA has threatened property rights and livelihoods of rural Americans with bureaucratic overreach for far too long. The Biden administration’s failure to appropriately comply with the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling or seek public input has only perpetuated uncertainty. EPA regulations must never put undue burdens on American farmers, ranchers and small businesses and should properly reflect congressional intent in the Clean Water Act."
Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24): “Fantastic news! Yesterday, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the EPA will fix the burdensome Biden-era Waters of the United States rule. President Trump continues to reverse harmful burdens imposed by Biden and I applaud this important step to restore rights to America’s families, farmers, job creators and landowners.”
Representative Tim Wahlberg (R-MI-05): “Agriculture is an integral part of our economy. I am glad to see the Trump administration’s recent announcement that the EPA will revise the onerous Biden-era WOTUS rule which placed unfair burdens on small businesses, manufacturers and farmers.”
Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL-11): “This is great news! Fixing the Waters of the U.S. rule will ease regulatory burdens for farmers, small businesses, critical infrastructure projects and everyday Americans. Thank you, Administrator Zeldin for fighting back against regulatory overreach.”
State Leaders
Governor Kelly Armstrong (R-ND): “This is a big win for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, energy producers and industry, lifting the WOTUS threat that’s been hanging over their heads for years. Thanks Administrator Zeldin and President Trump for working to roll back this red tape and let our producers feed and fuel the world.”
Governor Brad Little (R-ID): “For too long, the federal government has weaponized WOTUS to stonewall farming, ranching & American industry. While D.C. bureaucrats have been dragging their feet on Sackett, President Trump is taking action in the first 100 days. A huge win for rural America!”
Governor Jim Pillen (R-NE): “The WOTUS rollback from President Trump and Administrator Zeldin is GREAT news for agriculture. Nebraska’s water is the lifeblood of our state and core to the work our farmers and ranchers do. The Obama/Biden-era EPA rules were out of touch with reality, and Nebraskans are grateful for the return of common sense under the Trump Administration.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR): “DC bureaucrats and liberal special interests used WOTUS to punish farmers and grab power over every ditch, pond, and puddle in America—the very definition of government overreach. Thank you, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin, for cutting this ridiculous red tape!”
Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke (R-ID): “This is great news for farmers, businesses, and the Gem State. The bureaucratic blunders on WOTUS will soon be coming to an end, while cutting costs and protecting our nation’s waters.”
Stakeholders
Associated Builders and Contractors Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs Ben Brubeck: “On behalf of contractors across America that have long faced uncertainty regarding Clean Water Act permitting, ABC thanks President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for initiating action to establish a clear definition of WOTUS. By ensuring full implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA and USACE can enact unambiguous boundaries on the scope of the federal government’s authority to maintain key water quality protections. Doing so will enable developers and contractors to efficiently comply with these important environmental regulations while avoiding unnecessary delays to critical infrastructure projects.”
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau appreciates the Environmental Protection Agency for taking a step toward providing clarity in how farmers and ranchers should comply with the Waters of the U.S. rule. The Supreme Court clearly ruled, almost two years ago, that the government overreached in its interpretation of what waters fell under federal jurisdiction, but inaction and vague implementation guidelines by EPA led to permitting delays, litigation and uncertainty. I’m pleased that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has listened to the concerns of farmers and is making strides toward getting rid of the guesswork. The foundation he laid today is the first step toward creating clear WOTUS implementation guidelines, which will help farmers protect the environment while ensuring they can grow the food America’s families rely on.”
American Rivers President and CEO Tom Kiernan: “Our nation’s health, wealth and security depends on healthy rivers and streams. Weakening the Clean Water Act threatens safe, reliable drinking water for tens of millions of Americans, and could drastically increase water treatment costs for farmers. Our rivers were literally on fire prior to the Clean Water Act and any step back to those days, any step to limit what water sources receive protections, is a step in the wrong direction. We urge the administration to listen to Americans, who overwhelmingly want clean, safe water.”
American Road & Transportation Builders Association President and CEO Dave Bauer: “After years of WOTUS whiplash, EPA Administrator Zeldin and President Trump have taken a step in the right direction by paving the way for clearer federal water permitting requirements consistent with the Supreme Court’s unanimous Sackett decision. This long-overdue guidance is critical for reducing the regulatory uncertainty that delays infrastructure improvements and needlessly increases their costs. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration to finalize the rule.”
National Association of Home Builders Chairman Buddy Hughes: “NAHB commends the EPA for moving to make changes to the WOTUS rule that will protect our nation’s waterways and provide builders and developers the clarity and certainty they need in the federal wetlands permitting process to help house America’s citizens. Obtaining a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit under WOTUS can take upwards of a year, and these permitting delays put home building projects on hold and increase construction costs. Today’s action by the EPA will help alleviate federal permitting roadblocks that are exacerbating the nation’s housing affordability crisis.”
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart: “For years, NCBA has worked across the federal government – educating members of Congress, participating in agency rulemakings, and fighting for cattle producers in federal court – to secure a WOTUS definition that protects both our nation’s natural resources and Americans’ property rights. We are proud of the Trump Administration’s effort to further conform the WOTUS definition to the Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA. Today’s guidance is an important step toward refocusing the Clean Water Act to its original purpose. NCBA thanks EPA Administrator Zeldin for his work to finally close a decades-long chapter of severe regulatory whiplash.”
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA): “NSSGA thanks President Trump and Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for Waters of the United States guidance which will help provide clarity and certainty for our members after years of confusion and a regulatory patchwork.”
U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Marty Durbin: “American businesses were crippled with an unprecedented regulatory onslaught during the previous administration that contributed to higher costs felt by families around the country. The Chamber supports a more balanced regulatory approach that will protect the environment and support greater economic growth. We provided constructive feedback to the previous administration about business concerns with rules like Waters of the United States, Clean Power Plan, air quality standards, risk management, and the social cost of carbon, as well as efforts to cooperatively work with states on compliance plans, among other areas of concern. We have been working with the Trump Administration to help bring commonsense reforms to the agency’s regulations that will provide certainty to businesses and reduce regulatory costs and will continue to do so.”
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