News

Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association president fears WOTUS reboot

The president of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is concerned the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. Rule will be resurrected. 

Grant Breitkreutz, a cow/calf producer from Redwood Falls, says the association is closely tracking how the Biden administration handles the Clean Water Act now that President Trump’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule has been revoked.

“That is our biggest fear that we might step back to where we were. And the implications on our farms and ranches could be just devastating as to what’s determined as a body of water. So it’s a high-priority concern for us.”

The EPA plans to host regional roundtables where stakeholders can provide input on the next Waters of the U.S. Rule.  Breitkreutz tells Brownfield farmers and ranchers need to speak up.

“That’s our best defense is to talk directly to them and explain the situation and how it’s going to affect us on our farms and ranches on a daily basis.”

Last month, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers announced a proposed interim rule to re-establish the pre-Obama administration Clean Water Act while the agencies develop the next WOTUS rule.

Brownfield interviewed Breitkreutz during the Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention in Hinckley, Minnesota Friday.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!