BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— Ted Mottaz, President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, issued the following statement regarding the release of the new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule:

“Illinois corn farmers need to clearly understand who has jurisdiction over the waters on and around their farms, what standards they should meet regarding water, and even what water is to be regulated.  Without this crucial information, conveyed in an understandable manner, farmers are unable to appropriately protect their resources. As a leader in water quality and nutrient loss reduction initiatives in the state, Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) members know as well as anyone that they play a key role in these processes and we are prepared to do so in voluntary, scientifically-sound applications.

“ICGA looks forward to reviewing the new WOTUS rule, providing feedback, and helping Illinois corn farmers understand how to implement the best management practices, like tillage changes and buffer strips, that will protect our nation’s water supply.”