The U.S. Environmental Protect Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently released the final rule interpreting the definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. The National Association of Wheat Growers sees this as creating more confusion for farmers, not less.

“The final WOTUS rule extends well beyond the intent of the Clean Water Act. We are very concerned about the impact this overly burdensome regulation will have on wheat producers,” said Brett Blankenship, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers and a Washington wheat grower. “The provisions of the rule do not provide clarity that growers need.”

“Nobody understands the need for good stewardship and conservation better than America’s wheat farmers. This is what we do everyday. We depend on clean water and healthy soils to make a living and feed the world. However, wheat farmers also need regulatory certainty so they know how to stay in compliance with the law. This 300-page rule does not provide us with a clear understanding of what is or is not under the Clean Water Act’s jurisdiction.”

NAWG calls on Congress to pass legislation requiring the EPA and Army Corps to withdraw the regulation. Legislation has been passed by the House of Representatives and will be reviewed in the Senate Committee this week.