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EPA in hot water over proposed CWA rule

July 23, 2014, Washington, DC – Despite a recent public relations campaign through Missouri farm country to attempt to calm the waters about the proposed changes to the definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act, EPA continues to take heat from farmers and ranchers, and lawmakers.

After initially calling the proposal “ag friendly” and agreeing with EPA that it “clarifies Clean Water Act jurisdiction, maintains agricultural exemptions and adds new exemptions, and encourages enrollment in USDA conservation programs,” the National Farmers Union last week sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy seeking more information about what water and land features will fall under federal jurisdiction if the rule is finalized as it is proposed. READ MORE