In an issue of contention across the ag industry, and on the opposite side, environmental groups alike, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers have announced a final rule establishing a durable definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). In a news release, the EPA and Army state that it will reduce uncertainty from changing regulatory …
Court Urged to Hear Apalachicola Water Fight
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/December 20, 2022) — In the latest round of battles about the Apalachicola River, environmental groups are asking a federal appeals court to hear arguments in a challenge to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decisions that affect water flowing into the Northwest Florida river. The National Wildlife Federation, the Florida Wildlife Federation and the Apalachicola Bay and River Keeper …
Florida NRCS Helping Communities through EWP
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to pass along information about the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. After a natural disaster like Hurricane Ian, through EWP NRCS offers help to alleviate hazards to life and property. Florida NRCS State Conservationist, Juan C. Hernandez, explains who this program is designed for. Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance, but must …
Florida Attorney/Farmer Shares Thoughts on WOTUS
We continue our series on the Southeast Region WOTUS Roundtable, which was hosted by the North Carolina Farm Bureau. Kate English, who is a farmer and an attorney who is also a part of the Florida Farm Bureau, was one of the speakers. She said states like Florida already have similar water regulations. “In many instances, Clean Water Act regulations …
Discussion on Water Regulations at Southeast WOTUS Roundtable
We continue our coverage of the Southeast Region Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) roundtable, which was coordinated by the North Carolina Farm Bureau with the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers. Farmers and other representatives from several southeast states took part. Pete Hunter is a 50-year farmer from Mississippi and was asked to participate on behalf of the Mississippi …
‘Clean and Healthy Waters’ Initiative Proposed?
(NSF/Tallahassee/April 25, 2022) — A political committee has filed a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a “fundamental right to clean and healthy waters” and allow lawsuits against state agencies for harm or threatened harm to lakes, rivers, wetlands and other types of water bodies. The committee FloridaRighttoCleanWater.org has proposed the initiative for the 2024 ballot, according to newly posted information …
Environmental Changes Teed Up for Florida Budget Talks
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 22, 2022) — A controversial environmental bill the Senate massaged last week after outcries from Everglades activists, fishing guides and Gov. Ron DeSantis is ready to become part of budget talks with the House. With little comment, the House on Tuesday, took up the bill (SB 2508) and nine other Senate measures and positioned them for negotiations that will …
WOTUS Discussed During Georgia Cattlemen’s Convention
Cattle producers in Georgia were able to get a Washington legislative update this week as National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, was in the Southeast speaking at the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Convention in Savannah. He talked about various issues of importance to those in the cattle industry, including the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) …
Florida Senate Passes Revamped Water Bill
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 17, 2022) — With a key lawmaker saying he wanted to clarify and counter “purposeful misinformation,” the Senate on Thursday changed a controversial measure that critics said could affect Everglades restoration projects. The measure (SB 2508) had drawn opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis and critics such as fishing guides who raced to the Capitol to appear in the Senate …
National Peanut Board Allocates Funding for Water Research
The National Peanut Board (NPB) allocated funds for water research, and according to a story from Tyron Spearman, some interesting numbers came out of that report. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to Enhance Brahman GeneticsMay 15, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida …