Once again the Federal government is trying to expand their jurisdiction, this time over waters and wetlands. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have published in the Federal Register a previously announced Proposed Rule to “… define ‘waters of the United States’ … for all sections of the Clean Water Act to mean: traditional navigable waters; interstate waters, including interstate wetlands; the territorial seas; impoundments of traditional navigable waters, interstate waters, including interstate wetlands, the territorial seas, and tributaries, as defined, of such waters; tributaries, as defined, of traditional navigable waters, interstate waters, or the territorial seas; and adjacent waters, including adjacent wetlands … Specifically, the proposed rule clarifies that under the Clean Water Act: … Most seasonal and rain-dependent streams are protected; Wetlands near rivers and streams are protected; Other types of waters may have more uncertain connections with downstream water and protection will be evaluated through a case specific analysis of whether the connection is or is not significant … The proposal requests comment on options protecting similarly situated waters in certain geographic areas or adding to the categories of waters protected without case specific analysis … The proposed rule preserves the Clean Water Act exemptions and exclusions for agriculture … The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 90 days from publication in the Federal Register. The interpretive rule for agricultural activities is effective immediately …” For anyone that is interested, that means it is time to comment to the Feds that this proposed rule is unacceptable. Expanding their jurisdiction means more laws to deal with and more ag ground out of production. Please take the time to comment. I am not an NCBA member, but they are going to have a comment link for this rule at beefusa.org it is not up as of this moment, but should be up in the next day or so. This rule will impact anyone with property, so please comment.