EPA Proposes Clean Water Rule Rollback: Growers happy, enviros miserable

June 28, 2017 |

In Washington, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has propsoed to rescind the 2015 Clean Water Rule and with it, a series of Clean Water Act protections for wetlands, streams and other waters originally aimed at improving the drinking water supply. The EPA’s move prompted strong reaction from environmental and farmer interests.

“The goal of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters,” said Texas farmer Wesley Spurlock, president of the National Corn Growers AssociationThe 2015 rule moved us further away from that goal. Repealing it is an important first step toward providing farmers the certainty and clarity we have long desired.

“We are thankful this Administration is working to draw clear lines in terms of what is and what is not jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act. In doing so, they will enable farmers to implement best management practices such as grass waterways and buffer strips without the burden of bureaucratic red tape or fear of legal action. These types of land improvements have enormous water quality benefits, such as reducing sediment and nutrient runoff—a win for farmers and the environment. Government should be making these actions easier, not more difficult.

“We salute the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers for their efforts. We stand committed to working with these agencies as they develop a new rule that defines jurisdictional boundaries in clear terms that are inclusive of the realities of farming.”

Earlier this year, President Trump issued Executive Order 13778, directing EPA and USACE to review the final 2015 WOTUS rule, and publish for notice and comment a proposed rule rescinding or revising the rule, as appropriate and consistent with law.

“Rescinding this rule puts the drinking water of 117 million Americans at risk,” said BlueGreen Alliance released a statement from Executive Director Kim Glas. “Right now, too many cities—including Flint, Michigan; Toledo, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—are struggling to provide clean, safe water to their residents. The federal government should lead the way to make sure that having clean, safe water isn’t a luxury for American families.”

Category: Policy

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