The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up the important issue of what makes up the”waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the national Clean Air Act and to review whether certain wetlands are protected under the federal law. The Biden administration has asked to high court to deny hearing the matter as it works to rewrite the existing rules. The Illinois Farm Bureau had announced they are among those against repealing the 2020 rules and continue to ask members to text and urge withdrawl of the rewrite. The final date for public comment on the issue is Monday, February 7th. Also, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is inviting corn producers across the state to provide comments through Wednesday February 9th on a proposed corn checkoff referendum. The Illinois Corn Marketing Board has proposed to enhance marketing and promotion of Illinois corn by increasing the checkoff amount by 1/4 cent per bushel. This would increase the current 5/8 cent voluntary checkoff rate to 7/8 cent per bushel. Growers would still continue to have a right to refund. On Wednesday February 10th following the public hearing, the board will meet and review all the comments received and presented. If the board approves the proposed amendment, the IDOA would then hold the referendum.