CONTACT: Stephanie Addison
(202) 547-6223; stephanie-addison@nacdnet.org

CONTACT: Sara Kangas
(202) 547-6223; sara-kangas@nacdnet.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 12, 2018

NACD STATEMENT ON
EPA’S WOTUS RULE
(New rule provides opportunity for locally-led conservation)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers unveiled rulemaking which includes a new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) definition under the Clean Water Act.

The proposed rule is designed to review and revise the definition of WOTUS to ensure it is consistent with the Trump Administration’s Feb. 2017 executive order. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) President Brent Van Dyke issued the following statement on the proposed rule:

“We’re pleased with efforts of the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to address the complexities surrounding the definition of jurisdictional waters,” Van Dyke said. “Locally-led conservation, including local decision-making, must be at the forefront of these clarification efforts, which is why NACD has consistently opposed the expansion of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. We are optimistic this rule will provide increased clarity and transparency around current WOTUS regulations and help landowners have a better understanding of what is compliant with the law. We look forward to working with the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to provide additional input as we complete our review of the proposed rule.”