New maps released by Farm Bureau shows the federal government is massively increasing its authority at the cost of American producers. This news release from the group says the Environmental Protection Agency will radically expand its jurisdiction over land use if its controversial Waters of the United States rule takes effect as expected Aug. 28. That expansion comes even as … Read More
Critical! Slam the Breaks on WOTUS
The date for the EPA’s “Waters of the US” ruling is fast approaching. The National Corn Growers Association is demanding the rule be postponed and that Congress act to end it all together. The situation becomes more critical in light of a recent memo from the Army Corps of Engineers. “In July, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy came to our meeting … Read More
Iowa Gov Signs $9.6 Mil Support for Water Quality
Iowa’s Gov. Terry Branstad has signed into law $9.6 million in support for water quality. The Iowa Department of Agriculture says the measure to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative also officially adds “Water Quality” to the Department’s Division of Soil Conservation. “Iowans in both rural and urban areas continue to be engaged in efforts to improve water quality. These … Read More
Farm Bureau Analysis of WOTUS
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) today released its analysis of the EPA’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) final rule and concluded that it is worse than the proposed rule, according to AFBF president Bob Stallman. “Our analysis shows yet again how unwise, extreme and unlawful this rule is,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said. “Our public … Read More
WOTUS in Senate Committees
EPA’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule was a topic of discussion in two senate committees on Wednesday. The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee passed a bill similar to one passed by the full House last month, even before the final rule was announced, that would require EPA and the US army corps of engineers to withdraw the … Read More
Water and Food Topic of Toledo Food Dialogues
The Ag industry had a welcome opportunity to discuss water quality issues and research this morning during the Food Dialogues: Toledo event that featured two panel discussions. The first panel, “Lessons from Toledo Water Crisis,” was moderated by Gail Hogan and featured Sandy Bihn, president, Toledo Lighthouse Society and executive director, Lake Erie Waterkeeper Inc.; Chuck Campbell, acting commissioner of … Read More
Congress Action Pending on Final WOTUS Rule
EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers may have released its final Waters of the U.S. rule this week, but Congress is still intends to try and have the final word on the regulation. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) calls the final rule “bad for rural America” and brought up charges that EPA influenced the comment process through … Read More
Finalized WOTUS Rule Announced
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army finalized the Clean Water Rule that has become known as the Waters of the United States or WOTUS. According to an EPA news release, the rule “ensures that waters protected under the Clean Water Act are more precisely defined and predictably determined” and specifically notes that it “does not create any … Read More
USFRA to Talk Water During Toledo Food Dialogues
Last year’s toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie at Toledo, Ohio, that left half a million people without clean water, underscored the delicate balance that exists between farming and drinking supplies. So it’s no wonder the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) chose Toldeo as the site for the next Food Dialogues on Thursday, May 28, starting at 9 a.m. … Read More
USDA Targets Aid to Drought Stricken States
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest an additional $21 million to help farmers and ranchers in eight drought-stricken states. NRCS will provide technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to target areas that are experiencing either exceptional or extreme drought conditions, including parts of California, Kansas, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. The … Read More