Concerned about what it calls "vague and unclear terms and definitions," in proposed changes, the American Horse Council (AHC) submitted comments opposing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposed rule to redefine "waters of the U.S." under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Earlier this year the EPA and Corps published a new proposed rule to define "waters of the U.S." under the CWA. The AHC said the proposed rule appears to redefine "waters of the U.S." in a manner that would significantly expand the waters subject to the requirements of the CWA.

The CWA includes exemptions for agriculture, however the AHC and other agricultural groups have serious concerns regarding the proposed rule. The AHC believes the proposed rule uses vague and unclear terms and definitions that will create new confusion regarding what waters are subject to CWA requirements. Furthermore, the AHC has concerns regarding the intended meaning of terms used in the proposed rule and how they will be interpreted in the field.

Additionally, the AHC believes the proposed definition of "waters of the U.S." could include many types of waters, such as ditches, ponds, wetlands, and seasonal streams that have never before been considered under the jurisdiction of the CWA. The AHC claims that the proposed definition is so expansive that it could potentially place almost all surface waters under the jurisdiction of the CWA contrary to the clear intent of Congress and the limits established by several federal court decisions