Comment period on EPA proposed water rules extended; Farm Bureau wants rules withdrawn

The Environmental Protection Agency has once again extended the comment period on its controversial proposed water rules, reports Agri-Pulse, a Washington newsletter. The comment period was originally scheduled to end on July 21 but was moved to Oct. 20 and is now set for Nov. 14. Comments can be made by clicking here.

An EPA spokesperson said in an email to Agri-Pulse: “EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have always maintained that having the latest peer-reviewed science is an essential part of determining jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) will soon complete its peer review of the report on the connectivity of streams and wetlands. To provide the public with the opportunity to comment on the SAB review and in response to requests for additional time to comment on the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule, the agencies are extending the public comment period to Friday, November 14, 2014.” Agri-Pulse is subscription only, but a free trial is available by clicking here.

One group that has been outspoken critics of the proposed rules is the American Farm Bureau Federation. The agency sent a letter to the Senate urging members to tell EPA to withdraw its proposal, reports Agri-Pulse. The Farm Bureau, citing a letter by the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, which asked EPA and the Army Corps to withdraw the rules, wrote: “The SBA Office of Advocacy has now validated our concerns. Now is the time for all senators to join the bipartisan effort to have this rule withdrawn.” (Read more)