EPA and the Army Corps have released a new proposed rule defining “waters of the United States” in response to the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision. The rule was officially published in the Federal Register on Nov. 20, 2025, and the agencies are now accepting public comments.

This proposal begins to align the federal definition of WOTUS with the clarity that the Supreme Court required. It provides meaning to key terms like “relatively permanent” and “continuous surface connection,” which dictate the scope of the federal government’s jurisdictional reach under WOTUS. These changes matter. Farmers and ranchers need a clear, workable rule that protects clean water and respects private property and state authority.

We need your help: EPA and the Corps will only take comments for 45 days, and it is important that farmers and ranchers are heard. Sharing your story and asking the agencies to finalize a clear and durable rule will make a difference.

Take action: Use the link below to submit your comment. A draft comment is provided on the action page, and you can personalize it if you choose.

Deadline: Comments must be submitted by Jan. 5, 2026.

Thank you for speaking up and helping ensure these agencies adopt a rule that provides the clarity you need to protect your land and water.