Sixth Circuit Rules in Favor of Attorney General Cameron, Halts Enforcement of Biden Administration’s WOTUS Rule

Ruling is a win for Kentucky’s agriculture community

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 11, 2023) – The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of Attorney General Daniel Cameron and halted the Biden Administration from enforcing a new rule re-defining the Waters of the United States (WOTUS). This rule would unnecessarily burden farmers and landowners engaging in everyday farming activities.

“Yesterday, the Sixth Circuit agreed with our office and ruled that the Biden Administration cannot impose new federal controls over Kentucky’s waters,” said Attorney General Cameron.  “This unanimous ruling gives our farmers, and all Kentuckians, much needed relief from the Biden Administration’s regulatory overreach, and we will continue to stand up for the rights of Kentuckians.”

In February, Attorney General Cameron filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s rule redefining WOTUS, arguing that it usurped Kentucky’s authority to manage its own lands and waters. A Kentucky federal district court dismissed the case, and Attorney General Cameron appealed this decision to the Sixth Circuit.

The court unanimously ruled in favor of Attorney General Cameron, holding that he will “likely prevail in [his] challenge to the Final Rule’s validity.” The ruling is a win for Kentucky’s agriculture community and ensures that farmers and landowners can live and work on their own property free from heavy-handed government policies.

To view a copy of the Sixth Circuit’s ruling, click here.