Kansas Ag Connection - Kansas Corn Sees New WOTUS Rule as Positive Step

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Kansas Corn Sees New WOTUS Rule as Positive Step
Kansas Ag Connection - 12/14/2018

Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) leaders were encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) release of the new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The new rule replaces the onerous 2015 WOTUS rule that would have increased regulatory burdens and made it more expensive for farmers to grow their crops.

EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler said, "For the first time, we are clearly defining the difference between federally protected waterways and state protected waterways. Our simpler and clearer definition would help landowners understand whether a project on their property will require a federal permit or not, without spending thousands of dollars on engineering and legal professionals."

KCGA President Ken McCauley, White Cloud said farmers are encouraged by the announcement.

"We are pleased to see some positive, common sense actions on the WOTUS rule from EPA," McCauley said. "We have long held the opinion that most water quality issues are best handled on the state level. EPA is saying that they are clearly defining the difference between federal and state waterways and that brings more clarity and more state-level control. Water quality is important to us, and we've been working with NCGA and other state and national agricultural organizations to make sure that WOTUS is done right."

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp made the following statement:

"Farmers rely on clean water and are committed to protecting our environment and the communities where we live and work. With a clear understanding of what is and is not jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act, farmers can implement stewardship practices such as grass waterways and buffer strips without the burden of bureaucratic red tape or the fear of legal action. NCGA looks forward to fully reviewing the new WOTUS rule to ensure that it provides clear jurisdictional boundaries to farmers, protects our nation's water and can be implemented without confusion."

The Kansas Corn Growers Association represents its members in legislative and regulatory issues and promotes corn and corn products.

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