Republican members of the Senate agriculture committee are requesting the administration withdraw the Waters of the United States Interpretive Rule. In a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Army, the Senators say, “We have heard from farmers, ranchers and other rural constituents about the Interpretive Rule and are deeply concerned it has created great confusion about what agriculture activities are exempt from regulation under the Clean Water Act.”

The Senators argue that not only does the rule add uncertainty as to which agricultural practices are exempt under the Clean Water Act, but that it also fundamentally alters the trust that has been built over the years between the USDA and producers.