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New Water Protection Rules: Clear Definitions and Faster Decisions

This act redefines "navigable waters," impacting which water bodies fall under federal environmental protection. It also introduces a faster process for obtaining binding decisions on the status of waters on private properties, potentially simplifying land use and development.
Key points
The act clarifies which rivers, lakes, and wetlands are covered by federal water protection laws, excluding groundwater, drainage ditches, and artificial ponds, among others.
Property owners can now request a binding determination on whether waters on their land are subject to federal regulations, with a decision required within 60 days.
Failure of the agency to respond within the specified timeframe means the waters on the property are not considered "navigable waters," providing legal certainty to citizens.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_1556
Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]
Process start date: 2023-03-10
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Define WOTUS Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_1556.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-03-10.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The act clarifies which rivers, lakes, and wetlands are covered by federal water protection laws, excluding groundwater, drainage ditches, and artificial ponds, among others.
  • Property owners can now request a binding determination on whether waters on their land are subject to federal regulations, with a decision required within 60 days.
  • Failure of the agency to respond within the specified timeframe means the waters on the property are not considered "navigable waters," providing legal certainty to citizens.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

CATEGORIES

Environment Real Estate Courts and Law