Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act of 2023

The Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act of 2023 establishes a 32-member advisory committee composed entirely of farmers and ranchers to study how federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations affect agricultural operations. The committee will examine specific issues like exemptions for farmland, common farming practices not covered by current rules, and regulatory inconsistencies, then submit recommendations to the Agriculture Secretary, Environmental Protection Agency, and congressional committees within one year. This bill directly involves U.S. farmers in reviewing WOTUS rules without altering existing regulations, aiming to incorporate on-the-ground farming perspectives into future policy discussions. The committee’s findings will inform potential adjustments to how WOTUS regulations impact agriculture, food supply chains, and rural infrastructure.