For Immediate Release
By: R-CALF USA Marketing Director Jaiden Moreland
Contact: R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard
Phone: 406-252-2516; r-calfusa@r-calfusa.com
BILLINGS, Mont., Nov. 17, 2025 — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army for Civil Works announced a proposed rule that would establish a limited definition of waters of the United States, or WOTUS, under the Clean Water Act in accordance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett vs. EPA.
Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA – the nation’s largest cattle association that exclusively represents cattle farmers and ranchers – issued the following statement in response to the announcement:
“We are pleased the EPA and Army Corps are working to conform the WOTUS regulations under the Clean Water Act to the Supreme Court decision in Sackett. Our initial review suggests this proposed rule is a commonsense approach to meeting Congress’s objective in protecting genuine navigable waters.
“For years, an overly broad definition has created uncertainty and exposed landowners to the risk of federal enforcement for routine land management practices. Farmers and ranchers need the clarity provided by the proposed rule so they will know what does and what does not constitute Clean Water Act jurisdiction without having to incur considerable legal expenses associated with overreaching enforcement actions.”
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Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) is the largest producer-only lobbying and trade association representing U.S. cattle and sheep producers. It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries. Visit www.r-calfusa.com or call 406-252-2516 for more information.