News

Trump issues order on WOTUS

President Trump has signed an executive order ordering the EPA’s Waters of the US rule to be rescinded or rewritten.  The order directs the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a formal review of the rule.

Michigan Congressman John Moolenaar, who previously served on the House Ag Committee, tells Brownfield the move shows the Trump administration is siding with American farmers.  “The rule went too far and could have resulted in EPA agents coming to regulate mud puddles and ditches on farmers’ fields.”   He says by withdrawing the regulation the EPA will be able to better focus on its core mission to provide Americans with clean water to drink and clean air to breathe.

American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall welcomed the news with a statement saying the EPA failed to listen to farmers and ranchers when drafting the rule which could have put the smallest ponds and ditches under regulation, being declared federal waterways.

The National Pork Producers Council applauded the action, saying the rule was a product of a flawed regulatory process that lacked transparency.

The National Corn Growers Association fully support the repeal, saying farmers and ranchers care deeply about clean water but the rule had significant flaws.

The National Milk Producers Federation says despite their best efforts to influence EPA’s work on this measure several years ago, they were disappointed with many aspects of the final rule and welcome the repeal.

The National Wildlife Foundation and five other conservation groups issued a joint letter saying the Trump Administration is undermining the Clean Water Act and are calling on Congress to protect headwater streams and valuable wetlands.

The rule was challenged in courts by more than 30 states, and by environmental organizations and numerous industry groups.  It has been on temporary hold.

AUDIO: Interview with Congressman John Moolenaar