by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts suggest ways you can maintain your landscape during this drought, including an irrigation audit and knowing the watering laws in your area. UF/IFAS Extension agents in your county can conduct the audit, said Mary Lusk, an UF/IFAS regional specialized …
Stop Federal Water Extortion, Farm Bureau Says
Land managers in the West increasingly demand that ranchers who work federal land surrender their water rights to the government or get off the range. It’s extortion and a form of unconstitutional taking that simply has to stop, Randy Parker, Utah Farm Bureau’s vice president of national government affairs, told the House Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans. Legislation known …
EPA Launches WOTUS Review Web Page
The Environmental Protection Agency has launched a web page to keep stakeholders up to date on the review process and potential changes to the agencies Waters of the U.S. rule. The web page, according to the EPA, will keep the public informed as the EPA reviews the definition of a “Waters of the U.S.” In February, President Donald Trump issued …
Livestock Industry Calls for Relief from EPA’s Overly Burdensome Regulations
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 …
Farm Bureau Applauds EPA’s Water Rule Outreach
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall praised the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to collaborate closely with governors regarding revision of the Waters of the United States rule. “EPA Administrator Pruitt’s decision to consult with the states before revising the Waters of the United States rule marks a sharp break with the recent past,” Duvall said. “His letter to the …
EPA and U.S. Army Solicit State Input on Redefining “Waters of the U.S.”
“EPA is restoring states’ important role in the regulation of water” – Administrator Pruitt U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army sent a letter to governors soliciting input from states on a new definition of protected waters that is in-line with a Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s opinion in the 2006 Rapanos v. United States case. Scalia’s definition explains …
Governor Will Sign Negron Water Bill
from: The News Service of Florida Gov. Rick Scott will sign a bill that includes money to speed construction of a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee — a top priority of Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart. Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz confirmed Wednesday that the governor will sign the proposal (SB 10), which received final approval Tuesday from the House and …