Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently joined EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and other colleagues in Washington, D.C., to announce a revision to the definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS). The announcement was made as part of an effort by the EPA, in collaboration with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, to fulfill President Trump's promise to review and potentially revise the current WOTUS rule.

Senator Britt expressed her support for this initiative, stating that it was a top priority for her since taking office. She emphasized the impact of the Biden Administration's handling of the WOTUS rule on small businesses in Alabama. "When I asked the Biden Administration, 'do you know how many small businesses, do you know how many employees this negatively affects?' Of course, their answer was zero," she said.

Administrator Zeldin highlighted his commitment to revising the definition in compliance with legal standards while reducing bureaucratic obstacles and costs for communities nationwide. He referred to a recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency as pivotal in guiding these efforts.

"I’m of the belief that food security is national security," stated Senator Britt during her remarks. She expressed gratitude for being part of a process aimed at providing regulatory certainty and reducing red tape.

Administrator Zeldin commended Senator Britt's advocacy for Alabamians: "When I met with Senator Britt . . . she had a long list of questions to ask me, of priorities that she had on behalf of her constituents."

The event also included participation from Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman, Senators Kevin Cramer, Joni Ernst, Cynthia Lummis, Representatives Doug LaMalfa and Derrick Van Orden, as well as American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.