Lining up to oppose EPA on guidance for U.S. waters
Farm and Ranch May 20, 2011 American Farm Bureau Federation Regulatory Specialist Don Parrish says the issue with EPA’s proposed guidance on which U.S. waters it can regulate is no longer just about pesticide restrictions, it’s about land use. Parrish: “This has such a broad impact on the regulated community. On everybody. It is people that build roads, people that build homes, it is people that grow food. I have an idea there are going to be people standing in line to work together on this.” Parrish says under its regulatory guidance published this month EPA would have the power to regulate any place where water collects. Parrish: “All the other things that farmers do. If they have to build a road. Maybe they want to switch their grass to crops. There are a lot of things out there that are going to run head long into 404 jurisdiction.” That jurisdiction involves wetlands. Parrish says the American Farm Bureau is considering all its options after a 60-day comment period expires July 1st, and EPA issues final guidance. Parrish: “Everything is on the table right now. We are going to be looking at how we can involve members on the Hill and possibly putting some legislation out there to clarify what EPA‘s regulatory authority is. We also are going to be protecting our ability to go to court.” Parrish says the Farm Bureau is banking that there is enough case law to show what EPA is trying to do warrants a formal rule or bill, and not an end run around farmers and Congress. I’m Bob Hoff and that’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on Northwest Aginfo Net. ?
