National Potato Council Applauds Action To Rescind WOTUS

Washington, D.C. ­­­— The National Potato Council (NPC) supports today’s proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that would rescind the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) proposed by the Obama Administration in 2015.

“NPC applauds the proposed rule, which seeks to remedy an unnecessary federal overreach,” said John Keeling, CEO and EVP of NPC. “NPC has gone on record as a strong supporter of reducing regulatory burdens that inhibit growers’ ability to farm. Revoking this flawed WOTUS proposal is a positive step toward that goal.”   

The 2015 rule massively expanded the scope of the CWA to areas of the U.S., including farms, that are unrelated to its original goals and thereby subjected growers to potential regulatory jeopardy. In response, federal courts had stepped in to prevent immediate implementation of the WOTUS Rule and NPC is pleased that the Administration followed through on rescinding the rule.

“We urge the Administration and Congress to implement the CWA and other environmental regulations in a manner that protects America’s resources while limiting unintended consequences on activities that are unrelated to those goals,” said Mr. Keeling.

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The National Potato Council is the advocate for the economic well-being of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues. NPC supports the U.S. potato industry by monitoring issues affecting the strength and viability of the potato industry, influencing regulators and legislators on issues crucial to the industry's long term success, ensuring fair market access for potatoes and potato products, and bringing the unique issues and interests of diverse growing regions in the U.S. together on a national level.

Source: The National Potato Council