New Mexico’s Farmers And Ranchers Applaud New Navigable Waters Protection Ru

New Mexico’s Farmers And Ranchers Applaud New Navigable Waters Protection Rule


NMF&LB
Press Release

New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers applaud the decision of the Trump administration to revoke the 2015 Waters of the US Rule (WOTUS) which was announced today.  Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler, alongside R.D. James, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, introduced its replacement, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. “We’re delivering on President Trump’s promise to finalize a revised definition for Waters of the United States that protects the nation’s navigable waters from pollution and will result in economic growth across the country,” said Wheeler.  “EPA and the Army are providing much needed regulatory certainty and predictability for American farmers, landowners and businesses to support the economy and accelerate critical infrastructure projects.” “We appreciate the Trump administration and their efforts to bring clarity and certainty to the process by which our state’s farmers and ranchers protect the waters of our state,” says Chad Smith, CEO of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau.  “Clean water and clear rules have been our priority as we worked through WOTUS and we will continue every effort to protect natural resources as we provide our state’s favorite food products.” The Navigable Waters Protection Rule identifies four clear categories of waters that are federally regulated under the Clean Water Act, the territorial seas and traditional navigable waters, perennial tributaries, lakes, and wetlands that are adjacent to jurisdictional waters