M E D I A   S T A T E M E N T           

Atlanta, Georgia, September 12, 2019: Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers, issued the following statement in response to the final rulemaking by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers that repeals the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, setting the stage for the issuance of new WOTUS policy that is fully in line with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court rulings.

“United Egg Producers applauds today’s action by the federal agencies. Egg farmers are committed to helping protect streams, rivers and water everywhere and work hard to ensure that their hens and the manure they produce are managed responsibly and properly to assure water quality in their communities and across the U.S.

“UEP had opposed the elements of the 2015 WOTUS rule that claimed jurisdiction that was far too broad and inserted federal agency regulatory controls over largely dry water courses and wet areas that are too remote from anything that is navigabrulele to warrant coverage under federal law. The 2015 rule’s wide claim of jurisdiction added nothing to benefit remote waters, but it did create confusion and unneeded burdens on people in rural areas.

“UEP and the nation’s egg farmers appreciate the Administration’s work to issue a new WOTUS rule that is consistent with the Clean Water Act’s principle that the best way to protect water quality is to rely on federal and state agencies to work together, focusing their programs in those areas that make the most sense for each.”

CONTACT:  Hinda Mitchell, on behalf of UEP, 614.537.8926

 United Egg Producers (UEP) is a cooperative of U.S. egg farmers working collaboratively to address legislative, regulatory and advocacy issues impacting the industry through active farmer-member leadership, a unified voice and partnership across the agriculture community. UEP’s farmer-members work to provide for the health and well-being of their birds; to produce safe, nutritious, high-quality eggs; and to manage their farms responsibly with best on-farm management practices. Leadership of and participation in the UEP Certified program by the vast majority of egg producers further demonstrates a broad commitment to the care of egg-laying hens. UEP also manages the national Egg Safety Center, a leading resource for consumer and industry information on the safe production of eggs and prevention of disease. Formed in 1968, UEP members represent about 90 percent of US egg production.