Supreme Court Rules on Sackett v. EPA WOTUS Case

 “A win for rural America”

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a landmark ruling last month in Sackett v. EPA which significantly narrowed much of the federal government’s protections for wetlands, tributaries and streams as “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The decision was greeted with elation by agricultural water users and their political supporters across the West.

“This ruling is a win for farmers, ranchers, and all of rural America,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NEBRASKA). 

“It’s a game changer and a monumental victory for irrigated agriculture,” added Family Farm Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen. “No longer will farmers be required to hire an army of consultants just to figure out whether a wet spot on their property is regulated under the Clean Water Act.”

At issue is the reliance on the “significant nexus” test from the muddled SCOTUS Rapanos decision in the Biden WOTUS rule. The Sackett decision instead has eliminated the “significant nexus” test for a “relatively permanent” test. 

CLICK HERE to download the PDF Version of the June 2023 edition of the “Monthly Briefing”, where you can read more about this and these other important issues to Western water users, from a perspective that you won’t find anywhere else:

• Short Term Agreement Reached on Lower Colorado River 
• Congress Works to Pass Debt Agreement….Permitting Reform Provisions Included               
• Congressional Western Congress Announces Farm Bill Priorities….Alliance Continues to Advocate for a Strong Western Farm Bill                                
• National Endangered Species Day/Week Sparks Administration and GOP ESA Actions
• BLM Draft Public Lands Rule Triggers Public Outcry….Ranchers, Western GOP Members Raise Objections
• Alliance Supports Western Water Accelerated Revenue Repayment Act 
• Court Hears Klamath Water Case as Farmers See Reduced Allocation        

Please do not hesitate to contact dan@familyfarmalliance.org if you have any difficulties downloading the June 2023 “Monthly Briefing”.