NCC Applauds New WOTUS Rule for Delivering Clarity and Regulatory Relief

The National Cotton Council applauds the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for issuing a new “Waters of the United States” rule that delivers long-awaited clarity for producers across the Cotton Belt.

November 17, 2025
Contact: Marjory Walker
(901) 274-9030

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The National Cotton Council (NCC) applauds the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for issuing a new “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule that delivers long-awaited clarity for producers across the Cotton Belt. After years of uncertainty, this new definition streamlines decisions affecting on-farm water management, and supports timely, science-based operations. 

“Farmers across the Cotton Belt have waited years for a commonsense definition of WOTUS, and now we have one,” said Patrick Johnson, NCC Chairman. “The National Cotton Council welcomes the new rule from EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers that cuts red tape and gives producers the certainty they need.”

This action will help safeguard producers and rural communities while strengthening the integrity of the U.S. agricultural supply chain. NCC looks forward to working with the agencies to ensure implementation is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of America’s cotton growers.