Define WOTUS Act of 2023

The Define WOTUS Act of 2023 redefines "navigable waters" under the Clean Water Act to clarify which water bodies fall under federal regulation. It explicitly includes rivers, lakes, and wetlands connected to major waterways but excludes temporary streams, groundwater, man-made ditches, agricultural fields, and most artificial water features like ponds or stormwater basins. This directly affects landowners, farmers, and developers who need permits for projects near water, as it limits federal oversight to specific water types and creates a new process for property owners to get binding regulatory determinations. Key provisions require the Army Secretary to issue a final determination within 60 days of a request, with non-response automatically deeming the water unregulated, and set a 5-year limit for "regulated" findings.