MSGA supports the repeal of the 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” rule and has been actively working toward this outcome on behalf of our members. 

MSGA, along with other Montana organizations and Attorney General Tim Fox, led a group of 13 states to file suit against the 2015 rule. 

Since the settlement of the West, particularly in Montana, ranchers have been responsible, environmentally conscious land managers in partnership with our state, and continually work to improve that relationship with the environment. In turn, these lands help to create many viable ranching operations for rural families, contributing to our local economies and providing excellent wildlife habitat. Our members rely on clean water for their operations and are often at the front line of maintaining upstream water quality.

In November of 2014, MSGA submitted comments to the EPA to request the agencies withdraw the rule and reconsider a revised rule that clearly respects the states’ rights and abilities to regulate land and those traditionally “non-navigable” waters. MSGA also met directly with the EPA Administrator to relay our concerns. 

We are happy our concerns have been heard and the WOTUS rule has been repealed.