EPA Determined to Bust Myths

On a recent press conference call, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Administrator McCarthy repeatedly reassured those of us on the call that this proposal’s purpose was merely clarification AND providing more examples of conservation for farming NOT narrowing the definition through the interpretive rule.
She said there were many ag groups in support of EPA’s Waters of the United States proposal — although she didn’t mention any names specifically.
McCarthy: “I want everybody to be clear that there have been concerns raised. I think it is seen as much more prevalent than actually is. We are getting a lot of support from ranchers and farmers across the U.S. and their voices are being a little bit drowned out by those who sort of enjoy the anxiety that is created. It gives more visibility to some groups.”
Washington wheat farmer and Vice President of the National Wheat Growers Brett Blankenship shares his organization’s perspective and concern with the proposed rule.
Blankenship: “Congress hasn’t stipulated that a new rule needs to be written and I think that Congress needs to be the driving entity behind this kind of policy, We are very disturbed that agencies are taking it upon their selves to change policy, tighten policy or extend their administrative hand, and that is National Wheat Growers’ main concern about the proposed rule.”