Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) has expressed support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to revise the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Husted, along with other senators, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle backing the proposal.
The proposed rule aims to clarify which waters fall under federal jurisdiction according to the Clean Water Act (CWA), aligning with recent Supreme Court decisions. It seeks to balance federal and state authority over water regulation while protecting U.S. water resources.
In their letter, the senators stated: “Farmers, energy producers, builders, and landowners need clear and predictable rules for when and where they are subject to the requirements of the CWA as well as achievable regulations to comply with those requirements. The Agencies’ proposed WOTUS definition would finally provide those regulated entities with a durable framework that both respects the rights of landowners and safeguards our nation’s waters. Furthermore, the proposed rule preserves the CWA’s cornerstone of cooperative federalism by recognizing states’ authority to responsibly regulate non-federal waters within their borders.”
They added: “The Agencies’ proposed rule faithfully adheres to the text of the CWA and the Sackett decision, a critical attribute that will ensure that the rule is legally durable.”
The senators concluded: “We urge the Agencies to finalize a rule that, like the proposal, provides regulatory certainty, supports cooperative federalism, and follows the statutory text and the Supreme Court’s ruling.”
Husted’s endorsement is part of his ongoing efforts related to Ohio’s water resources. He is currently serving as Ohio’s only representative on the Environmental and Public Works Committee from a Great Lakes state.