Yakima Times

Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington's 4th Congressional District has expressed support for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent decision to review and potentially repeal regulations concerning the definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS). The EPA, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, plans to align this definition with the Supreme Court's ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency.

"I applaud the EPA and Administrator Lee Zeldin’s decision to ensure the definition of 'waters of the United States' is aligned with the Sackett decision to provide long-term certainty for landowners," stated Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse highlighted that revisiting these regulations could reduce regulatory burdens on farmers, landowners, and businesses while promoting American energy independence. He emphasized his commitment to protecting private landowners from what he views as federal overreach.

The EPA announced its intention to collaborate with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in revising WOTUS definitions, a move intended to fulfill former President Trump's promise. This revision aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and alleviate uncertainty faced by Central Washington farmers due to past overregulation.

The agency will engage stakeholders in this new rulemaking process, a step not taken during previous administrations. The Supreme Court's 2023 Sackett decision clarified that "waters" under the Clean Water Act include only permanent or continuously flowing bodies like streams, rivers, oceans, and lakes. Wetlands are included only if they have a continuous surface connection with recognized waterbodies.