Click here to comment on the proposed expansion of the Waters of the U.S. regulation
Deadline: October 20
Oklahoma Farm Bureau is urging its members to comment on the expansion of the Clean Water Act through the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule during the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers’ open comment period, which ends October 20.
What it is
The proposed rule would remove the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act, expanding the EPA’s regulatory reach beyond “navigable” waters. It would open potential regulation for ditches, ponds, waterways, streams that only have water in them for short periods of time, and other localized waters that are non-navigable. For more detailed information read American Farm Bureau’s backgrounder (PDF link).
Potential Impact
Adoption of the proposed rule would expand the EPA’s regulatory authority on water to unprecedented levels. Many farming and ranching practices could require government approval thorough a complex series of federal permitting and regulations.
From American Farm Bureau’s analysis of the proposed rule:
“For example, normal farming and conservation activities, such as fencing, brush management and pruning shrubs and trees, were exempted by Congress and have never required permits under the Clean Water Act. EPA and the Corps would now require farmers and ranchers to meet otherwise voluntary Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards for these everyday normal farming activities and voluntary conservation practices, or else face Clean Water Act liability. By linking the normal farming exemptions to NRCS standards, the rule would make voluntary conservation standards subject to EPA enforcement.”
How to comment
Click here to comment on American Farm Bureau’s FBAct Action center page for the Waters of the U.S. proposed rule on your computer or mobile device. Comments must be submitted by October 20, 2014.
Some sample text is already provided. However, it is recommended that you share your own story on how the rule would negatively impact you.
Some ideas on what to share:
• The location where you farm or ranch (county, state, etc.).
• How long your family has been in agriculture or in your area.
• What you raise on your farm or ranch.
• How you responsibly use water on your agricultural operation.
• How the potential rule will unnecessarily burden you and/or your family, impacting your ability to produce agricultural products and make a living from the land.
Submitting comments is of utmost importance to making rural and agricultural voices heard to help prevent the expansion of the EPA’s Clean Water Act.
Click here to comment on the proposed expansion of the Waters of the U.S. regulation
For additional information, contact Marla Peek at marla.peek@okfb.org or (405) 523-2437. The comment deadline is October 20.
Special audio coverage of the Waters of the U.S.
OKFB’s Sam Knipp visited with OKFB President Tom Buchanan and Congressman Markwayne Mullin about the proposed changes. Listen below to see what they have to say about the proposal and the importance for farmers and ranchers to comment.
