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EPA pulls interpretive rule
The Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn an interpretive rule regarding the Clean Water Act. Issued in March of 2014, the Rule stated that farmers are only exempt from needing Clean Water Act permits for more than 50 routine farming practices if they comply with detailed NRCS technical conservation standards. Historically, these standards have been voluntary, and the farming practices exempt from the permit process.
The National Milk Producers Federation expressed their opposition to the rule saying it actually discourage water conservation and environmental best practices. In comments filed in July, NMPF said the guidance “would change the Natural Resources Conservation Service role from conservation partner to enforcer of the Clean Water Act on behalf of EPA.”
The interpretive rule is part of the larger Waters of the U.S. proposal issued by EPA last year and still being scrutinized by Congress. A number of farm groups have called for withdrawal of the complete WOTUS proposal.
Chris Galen with NMPF talks about the rule:
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