Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) delivered remarks today as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to review the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). This initiative follows through on a commitment made by President Donald Trump to address concerns regarding the rule’s impact on landowners and businesses.
During her speech, Senator Britt emphasized the significance of this decision for Alabama residents, stating, “President Donald Trump is doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Here we are, just a few mere weeks into this administration, and once again, we get to say ‘promises made, promises kept.’ There is no issue that when I travel the state of Alabama, literally every single county, that doesn’t come up more than this one.”
Senator Britt has previously opposed the WOTUS rule implemented under the Biden Administration, arguing that it created regulatory uncertainty and negatively affected small businesses. She referenced a May 2023 Appropriations Subcommittee hearing where she questioned the rule’s impact, stating, “64,000 small businesses in Alabama were negatively affected by the way the Biden Administration handled this.”
Administrator Zeldin confirmed that the EPA would act swiftly to revise the WOTUS definition, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining protections for navigable waters. He cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency as a critical factor in reevaluating the rule, aiming to provide farmers, landowners, and businesses with clearer guidelines.
“I’m of the belief that food security is national security, and our agriculture community continues to be under attack, but that is no longer. Common sense has finally been restored, both at the White House and here at the EPA,” Britt stated. She expressed optimism that the revised rule would offer regulatory certainty and reduce bureaucratic challenges for landowners.
Administrator Zeldin praised Senator Britt’s advocacy on behalf of Alabama, noting, “When I met with Senator Britt, she had a long list of priorities on behalf of her constituents, and WOTUS was right at the top. She has been a great champion for this cause.”
The event was attended by several lawmakers and industry leaders, including Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.Dak.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) and Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall.
The EPA’s decision to revise the WOTUS definition marks a significant policy shift, with supporters emphasizing reduced regulatory hurdles and opponents voicing concerns over environmental protections. As the agency moves forward with revisions, stakeholders across the country will closely monitor the impact of these changes.
