A revised Waters of the United States rule is receiving applause from some
corners of the agriculture industry, while receiving criticism from
environmentalists. The federal Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday released the revised rule that defines what constitutes waters of the United States as part of the federal Clean Water Act.
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives is among the organizations
applauding the change; Chuck Connor, its president and CEO, said the previous definition was too broad and created unnecessary federal regulations for farmers and ranchers. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the change gives clarity to the Clean Water Act, and will help farmers better know where federal jurisdiction over their land starts and ends.
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