The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council filed comments this week to the EPA calling for immediate action on several burdensome regulations the agency put forward under previous Administrations. The groups said that the regulations, “inhibit job creation, are ineffective, are unnecessary, or impose costs that exceed the environmental benefits. Often, these regulations impose federal requirements on …
EPA Launches New ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Website
New site aims to provide transparency and information about EPA review of ‘WOTUS’ EPA is launching a new website (www.epa.gov/wotus-rule) to provide the public with information about EPA’s review of the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) as set out in the 2015 “Clean Water Rule.” The site replaces the website developed for the 2015 rulemaking process. “EPA is …
NRCS Alabama Offers Funding to Protect Water Quality
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama has announced that the agency is providing funding to protect water quality for residents living in two key watersheds in North Alabama. Alabama State Conservationist, Ben Malone, notes designated sections of Swan Creek and Oakland Spring Branch-Beaver Dam Creek will be targeted. Eligible landowners are encouraged to visit their local USDA Service …
Scott Signs Major Water Bill Backed by Negron
from The News Service of Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday signed a priority of Senate President Joe Negron that will allow the state to bond money for a controversial reservoir intended to help clean South Florida waterways. The measure (SB 10) was one of 11 bills that Scott signed into law. The water bill allows Florida to bond up …
Landowners Encouraged to Learn More about CSP
We’ve been talking the past few weeks about how landowners with existing Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts were being encouraged to renew those. But for those of you who do not have a CSP contract, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting Chief Leonard Jordan encourages you to learn more about the program and how it can benefit your operation. Sponsored …
Soil Health Partnership Urges Farmers to Take USDA Survey
Whether you are a longtime advocate of cover crops—or have never even considered using them—the Soil Health Partnership is encouraging all farmers to participate in the USDA’s 2017 Cover Crop Survey. In its fifth year, the survey helps the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program understand why farmers choose to use cover crops, or the reasons that they don’t. …
Response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s paper on Clean Fuel Standard
Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) joined the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in submitting comments in response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Discussion Paper on a Federal Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). Representatives of the three organizations just completed a visit to Canada to discuss that country’s newest environmental initiative with regulators and industry and share details …
Renewal Sign-up Deadline for Expiring CSP Contracts is Friday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners with existing Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts that expire on December 31, the contract renewal sign-up deadline is this Friday, May 5. And even if you are not involved in CSP, NRCS Acting Chief Leonard Jordan, says they made several updates to the program last fall to help producers better evaluate …
NACD Applauds Appropriations Bill in Support of Conservation
Congress is expected to pass an appropriations bill this week that for the remainder of this fiscal year would provide strong support for many of the voluntary conservation programs that millions of landowners nationwide utilize to protect and improve America’s water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. “NACD is very pleased that House and Senate appropriators have finally reached an …
Environmental Budget Talks Falter
by Brandon Larrabee, News Service of Florida Negotiations between the House and Senate about funding for environmental and water programs imploded Saturday, as talks over a new state budget moved up the ladder ahead of a Tuesday deadline. A visibly irritated Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, announced Saturday that he would ask for all of the issues that once separated …