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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 5/7/12
U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre has become a co-sponsor of the Preserving Rural Resources Act. This legislation is aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on farmers so that they may focus their time, money, and resources on improving agriculture and increasing production.
Congressman McIntyre, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, stated, “I will continue to stand with the American farmer to prevent unnecessary regulations that result in a loss of production. The American farmer is the most productive and efficient farmer in the world and we must do all we can to continue supporting American jobs and feed the world. That is why I have co-sponsored the Preserving Rural Resources Act, which will reaffirm Congress’ common sense attempts to limit federal overreach.”
The Preserving Rural Resources Act would clarify Congress’ intent to exempt farmers and ranchers from needing to the permitting requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act if they are conducting normal activities to prepare or maintain their lands for agricultural production. However, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers interpret the Clean Water Act in such a way that they require farmers to go through the general permitting process resulting in loss of production and money for farmers in rural communities.
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