The Pacific Legal Foundation and its plaintiff who lost its case in a federal district court in Iowa did not appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to continue their misguided attempt to eliminate voluntary wetlands protections that are part of the longstanding “Swampbuster” provisions of the U.S. Farm Bill. The plaintiff had a July 28 deadline to file an appeal.

On May 29, 2025, federal judge C.J. Williams of the Northern District of Iowa ruled in favor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the environment, and family farmers in a lawsuit, CTM Holdings, LLC v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, which sought to gut established clean water and wetlands protections. 

The district court decision was a victory for wetlands, habitat, and water quality throughout the United States. Environmental and sustainable agriculture groups including Iowa Farmers Union (represented by Environmental Law & Policy Center), Iowa Environmental Council, Dakota Rural Action, and Food & Water Watch intervened in the case to defend “Swampbuster” from the plaintiff’s effort to have the program deemed unconstitutional. The decision not to appeal means that the district court decision is final and binding. That said, Pacific Legal Foundation could file a new case challenging Swampbuster in the future.

Food & Water Watch (F&WW) Staff Attorney Dani Replogle said:   

“The case is closed — Swampbuster is here to stay. The district court’s decision was an unequivocal victory for sustainable farming, clean water and wetlands, and a significant loss for Project 2025 zealots. The federal government’s uncontroversial ability to encourage sustainable farming practices is simply not up for debate.”

Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) Senior Attorney Katie Garvey said:  

“The district court got it right when it decided in our favor – CTM Holdings hasn’t suffered any legal injuries, and it doesn’t meet the legal standards to bring a lawsuit. We will fight any future attempts to weaken or dismantle the “Swampbuster” federal subsidy program as we continue to stand up for family farmers and wetlands in the Midwest and across the country.” 

Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman said:   

“The Swampbuster provision is an essential piece of farm programs. It ensures that farm policy supports the broad public goals of farm economic stability, clean water, and healthy landscapes. The May decision from the court makes good sense for farmers, for taxpayers, and our environment.” 

Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) General Counsel Michael Schmidt said:  

“Swampbuster has been a foundational law supporting conservation that works well for farmers and the public. Wetlands have immense value for improving water quality, reducing floods, and maintaining biodiversity. We’ll continue to defend and protect wetlands here in Iowa and across the U.S.”

The intervenors are represented by the ELPC, F&WW, and the IEC.