WHEELING NEWS-REGISTER: Letters to the Editor: Support New Rules
Many farms in the U.S. have been in the family for three, four, five and six generations or more. Most states have Century Farms programs, which recognize farms that have been in the same family for more than 100 years. In 2013 there were 15,000 Century Farms in Iowa, 9,800 in Illinois, 8,583 in Wisconsin and 8,000 each in Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska, just to name a few.
This says a lot about farmers’ and ranchers’ incentives to protect the natural resources on their land. We want to protect the land and water resources on our farms and ranches because we want to leave something of inherent and lasting value for generations to come. It doesn’t end with us. We want to leave behind more than a business, we want to leave a legacy.
Farmers and ranchers support clear rules that will protect water quality in our nation’s waterways. We are encouraged that EPA has proposed a new water rule aimed at providing a clear and reasonable definition of “waters of the U.S.” and protecting our nation’s water resources for future generations.
EPA will open a public comment period (we anticipate in January 2019) to take comments on the new water rule for at least 60 days. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find out when the comment period opens. Let EPA know you support clear rules and clean water by leaving a comment.
