The American Farm Bureau Federation praised the bipartisan leadership of Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) today as they introduced the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, which would put in check the Environmental Protection Agency and its attempt to broaden the definition of “waters of the U.S.”
“Tens of thousands of farmers, ranchers and land owners have spoken out, but EPA has yet to fully acknowledge the proposal’s potential impact on everyday farming activities,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “We work hard every day to minimize the environmental impact of raising the food, fuel and fiber we all consume. We’re grateful that our congressional representatives are paving the way to safeguard both farmers and their land.”
Farm Bureau is urging Congress to act swiftly, before the rule is final, so agencies can re-craft the rule to ensure it is practical and addresses the concerns of farmers, ranchers and business owners across the country.