THE COUNTRY TODAY: Opinion: 2019 is off to a refreshing start
One new beginning in particular that agriculture is looking forward to this year is a new clean water rule — one that promises to be rooted in common sense. Thanks to the resolve of the Trump administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers, America’s farmers and ranchers can expect a new clean water rule that both protects our nation’s water and provides clear rules for everyone to follow.
This new rule is a long time in coming, from five years ago when we rallied our grassroots members to call on EPA to ditch the flawed, and unlawful, 2015 Waters of the U.S. rule. We have come a long way in those five years, and we have much to be thankful for with this new proposed rule.
Of course, we’re not across the finish line just yet. Now is our time to ensure we have a clean water rule that gives each of us the clarity we need on our farms and ranches. Farm Bureau is calling on all you again to submit your comments to EPA and the Corps, but this time is far different than the last. This time, EPA and the Corps want to hear from you, too.
We all heard loud and clear from the EPA and the Corps that they want to hear directly from farmers and ranchers during the comment period to be sure the definitions are clear and work for agriculture.
