Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, along with Indiana’s Mike Braun, introduced the Define WOTUS Act this week. The bill legislatively defines “waters of the United States,” and makes a definition of the term permanent. Grassley and Ernst recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to express concerns over the Biden administration’s decision to roll back the …
Senators Want Reasons for Replacing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule
West Virginia Republican Senator Shelly Moore Capito and several Republican colleagues want to know why the Biden EPA decided to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Capito, the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, says, “After the administration’s continued commitments to transparency, engagement, and communication with stakeholders and Congress on this issue, the lack of transparency …
USDA to Invest $5 Million in Wetland Mitigation Banks
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). It is a grant program that supports the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Funds are available to Tribes, government entities, nonprofits, and other organizations. “Wetlands are critical to our efforts …
Agriculture Ready to Defend WOTUS
Many in agriculture are ready to defend the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced their intent to repeal and rewrite it. This includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). During a call with farm broadcasters last week, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Jewel Bronaugh said there is a lot to discuss with the Water of the U.S. …
Inspect Your Irrigation System Regularly
Throughout the year, it is a good practice to check your irrigation system for leaks, wear, corrosion, and other physical damage that can limit the efficiency of the system. When it comes to ensuring the integrity of your plumbing, having a trusted plumber like a Townsville plumber can provide peace of mind and expert solutions for any issues that arise. …
EPA’s Intention to Revise WOTUS Disappoints Farm Bureau
It’s ‘Groundhog Day’ all over again for the controversial Obama-era Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, as Biden’s EPA Chief Michael Regan moves to dump the Trump rule that eased the sweeping Obama wetlands restrictions. He recently told the Senate Environment Committee the Obama WOTUS rule and the Trump replacement both need fixing. But American Farm Bureau’s Don Parrish fears …
EPA Announces Intent to Revise WOTUS Definition
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week their plans to repeal and rewrite the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). They are looking to repeal the Trump-era Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which replaced the Obama-era WOTUS rule. A review of the rule, requested by President Joe Biden, claims stakeholders are seeing destructive impacts to critical water bodies. …
Groups Ask Court to Vacate Trump Water Rule
Environmental groups have asked a federal court to vacate the Navigable Waters Protection Act enacted during the Trump Administration. The motion for a summary judgment comes as the Biden administration continues to review the existing water rule. DTN says the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League filed the motion in a South Carolina U.S. District Court. They asked the court to …
Irrigation Key During Hot, Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Cotton and peanut plantings are well underway across the Southeast. Unfortunately with it being hot and dry, these are not ideal conditions as seed and plants are being put in the ground. Wes Porter, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension precision agriculture and irrigation specialist, stresses the importance of maintaining moisture in the soil. Irrigation helps promote …
Duval Soil and Water Conservation District Full Board to Have Public Meeting
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District Full Board will meet on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. at the Duval Agricultural Extension Office, 1010 N. McDuff Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32254. This hybrid meeting will be held via Zoom teleconference. At this time the Extension Office is open only at limited capacity. Public participation is encouraged, …