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Part of The Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency both proposed changes to the definition of WOTUS.

How could the EPA's proposed new WOTUS rule affect the American Soybean Association?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

The American Soybean Association may benefit from reduced federal regulation on farmland The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a narrower definition for Waters of the United States (WOTUS), which could reduce federal oversight of certain streams and wetlands on farms and ranches. Under the proposal, a stream must flow continuously to qualify as WOTUS, though it could still qualify if it has a predictable dry period of up to 30 days. Streams that regularly go dry for about 90 days would not meet the proposed standard. This reduction in federal regulation is supported by agricultural groups who argue it provides clarity and certainty, potentially lowering operational costs for farmers.

Reported by 2 independent outlets Written Oct 18
Effect
Mild positive
How direct
Stated in the reporting
When
Within months
The story
Gone quiet

How it reaches American Soybean Association

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The EPA is proposing a narrower test for WOTUS.rfdtv.com
  • Under the proposal, a stream must flow continuously to be considered a water of the United States.rfdtv.com
  • A waterway could still qualify if it has a predictable dry period of up to 30 days.rfdtv.com
  • A stream that regularly goes dry for about 90 days would not meet the proposed standard.rfdtv.com

Why it matters

For the American Soybean Association and the broader agricultural sector, regulatory certainty is critical. The definition of WOTUS determines which land and water resources are subject to federal environmental oversight, directly influencing how farmers can manage their land and water resources. A narrower definition could significantly reduce the compliance costs and operational restrictions currently faced by farmers and ranchers.

This proposal is framed as an effort to align the definition of WOTUS with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision. This suggests a broader trend toward limiting federal regulatory reach in environmental matters, a shift that has been a point of contention between agricultural interests and environmental protection advocates.

What we don't know yet

  • How will the final rule be implemented across different states?
  • What specific changes will the EPA make to the proposal before finalizing the rule?

Is this still moving?

Gone quiet
Reports
2
Developments
1
Repetition
50%

What would change this answer

The EPA finalizes the rule without major changesThe reduction in regulatory burden for agricultural businesses would become more certain and immediate.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers introduces significant counter-proposalsThe scope of the regulatory change could be narrowed, potentially limiting the benefits for the American Soybean Association.

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Questions worth asking

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  • About Usace

    If the EPA narrows the definition of WOTUS, how might this change the scope of permitting or oversight required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?

  • About Subchapter C

    Given that the proposal aligns with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, what specific regulatory authority does Subchapter C grant the EPA regarding these waterways?

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The full eventEPA Proposes Narrower Definition for Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Everything aboutAmerican Soybean Association

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.