On June 9, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers announced their intention to repeal the current Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), implemented during the Trump Administration, with a new definition of “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS).
Prior to the change, however, EPA is seeking feedback from interested stakeholders to gather perspectives on defining “Waters of the United States” and how a new WOTUS definition should be implemented as the Agency pursues this process.
Plains Cotton Growers Inc., (PCG) and other agricultural industry stakeholders have expressed their opposition to the proposed change and encourages interested parties to submit similar comments to the agencies expressing opposition to the change in the rules defining navigable waters of the U.S. To view PCG’s opposition letter visit https://bit.ly/2WvxU78.
The deadline for public comment is Friday, September 3 and it is not expected that an extension to the comment period will be granted.
It is critical that the Agencies receive comments in support of the current NWPR and oppose any new regulation that is not based on sound science and would expand EPA and the Corps regulatory authority.
The National Cotton Council of America has also provided a draft letter and talking points to assist producers in drafting their comments.
A copy of this information, including information about how to submit your comments online, can be found on the PCG website at the following link: https://bit.ly/3mLGyZI.
Individual comments should provide specific examples or anecdotes illustrating problems with prior regulations and/or how the current NWPR rule is working.
If anyone has questions on the proposed rule change or how to submit your comments, please contact the PCG office.