Baumgartner Issues Statement on Trump EPA’s WOTUS Revision Announcement

WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revise the ‘Waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) rule. 

"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 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. ,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “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."

Background:
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the EPA will collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review and revise the definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS), fulfilling President Trump’s promise. The new definition will reduce red tape, lower permitting costs, and provide clearer direction for farmers, landowners, and businesses, while protecting the nation’s waters from pollution. The review follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision, which clarified that only relatively permanent bodies of water, such as streams and rivers, are subject to federal jurisdiction, with wetlands covered only when directly connected to these waters. The goal is to provide clarity and consistency while supporting economic growth.