Alabama Legislative Session Begins with Focus on Budgets and a Fast Timeline The Alabama legislative session begins this week in Montgomery, and agricultural groups are closely watching how lawmakers approach the final year of the quadrennium. Ahead of the session, Erin Beasley with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association shared insight into what producers can expect as legislators convene. “We are entering …
Georgia Legislative Session Begins This Week
Georgia Agribusiness Council Shares Priorities as Legislative Session Begins The Georgia General Assembly officially begins its legislative session this week, and agricultural leaders across the state are closely watching developments that could impact farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. Ahead of the session, representatives with the Georgia Agribusiness Council shared insight into what may shape the months ahead under the Gold …
Legislative Sessions Opening This Week Across The Southeast
State Legislative Sessions Open Across the Southeast State legislative sessions are opening this week across the Southeast, marking the start of months of policy discussions that will shape state budgets and priorities for the year ahead. Florida, Alabama, and Georgia lawmakers are all convening in January, with agriculture-related issues expected to remain an important part of the conversation. Florida’s 2026 …
NCBA Shares Thoughts on WOTUS Codification
NCBA Discusses EPA WOTUS Rule Changes and Potential for Codifying New Language With recent WOTUS rule changes being rolled out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), questions remain across rural America about what the updated definition of Waters of the United States means for producers—and whether these changes could be locked in for the future. To better understand the implications, …
SBA Establishes Deregulation Strike Force to Address Affordability Regulations
SBA Launches Deregulation Strike Force to Cut Red Tape and Lower Costs for Small Businesses The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has initiated a new Deregulation Strike Force, dedicating a full team to identifying and eliminating excessive federal regulations put in place during the previous administration. According to the SBA, these regulations significantly increased costs for small businesses and consumers, …
US House passes bill to modernize NEPA regulations
House Passes SPEED Act to Modernize NEPA and Streamline Permitting The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act last week, legislation aimed at modernizing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and streamlining federal permitting processes. Supporters say the bill would reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining environmental protections, particularly for working lands and conservation …
Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act Passes House And Awaits President’s Signature
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Advances, Bringing New Opportunities for Dairy Producers The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act earlier this week, sending the legislation to President Trump’s desk for his signature. If signed into law, the bill would mark a major change in school nutrition policy and could provide a meaningful boost …
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Testifies Against Frivolous Lawsuits
NCBA Highlights Concerns Over EAJA Abuse at Congressional Hearing The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing earlier this week examining the Abuse of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). The session focused on how the law—originally designed to help citizens challenge federal actions—has shifted over time due to increased litigation from environmental groups. Testifying …
EPA Issues Guidance Regarding Claims of Agency Approval of Forever Chemical Pesticides
EPA Issues Guidance Addressing Misinformation on Recent Pesticide Approvals The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention has released comprehensive guidance to address growing misinformation surrounding the EPA’s recent pesticide approvals. As public discussion has intensified—particularly around single fluorinated compounds—the agency aims to clarify what these substances are, how they are regulated, and what extensive risk …
NCBA Shares Perspective on Recently Released WOTUS Rule
NCBA Responds to Newly Released WOTUS Rule: What Producers Need to Know The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is responding to the federal government’s newly released Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and according to Mary Thomas Hart, NCBA’s Chief Counsel, the updated definition reflects an important shift toward clarity and practicality for agricultural landowners. Hart explained that the …










