Republican Presidential Candidate and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul wants to end the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the US legislation. He said that the EPA is perpetrating the largest land grab of American farmland in history and non one is paying attention. He kicked off a statewide radio campaign in Iowa week “decrying the Obama Administration’s land grab of Iowa farmland”. The ad is focused on the Waters of the US legislation (WOTUS) and highlights the devastating consequences of the new regulation.
“In Washington, DC, President Obama and the EPA are trying to quietly being the greatest government land grab in Iowa history, said Paul. “Obama’s looming ‘Waters of the US’ regulation will place 97 percent of Iowa land adn evry farm under greater government control by federal government.”
The American Farm Bureau (AFBF) has detailed the potential effects the rule could have on Iowa, along with all states and has a “Ditch the Rule” campaign underway. AFBF writes that, “Farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to remain in production often depends on being able to use the types of farm practices that would be prohibited if EPA denies a permit for them. For example, building a fence across a ditch, applying fertilizer or pesticides, or pulling weeds could require a federal permit. The proposed rule, in effect, would give EPA veto authority over a farmer’s or rancher’s ability to operate.”
Paul has pledged to reverse this legislation on his first day in the White House should he be elected.