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  • WOTUS is on the way out
  • Article

    WOTUS is on the way out

    Kelli Milligan Stammen | Posted on

    June 28, 2017



    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made a proposal June 27 to rescind the Clean Water Rule and revert to the water rule language that existed before 2015, giving the agency time to redefine what ‘waters of the United States’ or WOTUS means.

    “We are taking significant action to return power to the states and provide regulatory certainty to our nation’s farmers and businesses,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, in a news release. “This is the first step in the two-step process to redefine ‘waters of the U.S.’ and we are committed to moving through this re-evaluation to quickly provide regulatory certainty, in a way that is thoughtful, transparent and collaborative with other agencies and the public.”

    The move was applauded by Farm Bureau, which has long contended the rule was an overreach by U.S. EPA.

    “While this was several years in the making, the EPA’s announcement to rescind the WOTUS rule is a testament to our farmers who spoke up and shared their stories about how this rule would have negatively impacted their farms,” said Jack Irvin, OFBF senior director, state and national policy. “Our members’ voices do make a difference.”

    American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall applauded the move, noting that farmers across the country know the importance of clean water and strive daily to protect the country’s natural resources.

    “But this rule was never really about clean water. It was a federal land grab designed to put a straightjacket on farming and private businesses across this nation,” Duvall said in a statement released by AFBF. “That’s why our federal courts blocked it from going into effect for the past two years. Farm Bureau looks forward to supporting Administrator Pruitt’s proposal.”

    New and beginning farmers
    My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
    Greg McGlinch's avatar
    Greg McGlinch

    Darke County Farm Bureau

    Growing Tomorrow Grant
    We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
    Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
    Nathan and Jill Parriman

    Clermont County Farm Bureau

    Bringing the farm back to life
    I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
    Gretchan Francis's avatar
    Gretchan Francis

    Trumbull County Farm Bureau

    Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
    It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
    Wyatt Morrow's avatar
    Wyatt Morrow

    Clinton County Farm Bureau

    Giving farmers a voice
    The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
    Matt Aultman's avatar
    Matt Aultman

    Darke County Farm Bureau

    Select Partner Program
    Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
    Chad Ruhl's avatar
    Chad Ruhl

    Farm manager, CSI Insurance

    Advocacy
    So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
    Mary Smallsreed's avatar
    Mary Smallsreed

    Trumbull County Farm Bureau

    Suggested Tags:
    GrassrootsRegulationsWater QualityWOTUS

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    Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

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    Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

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