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American Farm Bureau disappointed in lack of communication as EPA develops new WOTUS rule

American Farm Bureau is disappointed by the lack of dialogue with EPA as the agency prepares a new Waters of the U.S. Rule. 

AFBF senior director of congressional relations Courtney Briggs says EPA administrator Michael Regan has expressed a desire to engage all stakeholders in the development of new clean water regulations.

“And unfortunately we haven’t quite experienced that thus far. We’ve been rather unsatisfied with the amount of stakeholder engagement, particularly to small businesses.”

Farm Bureau claims the proposed rule greatly expands federal jurisdiction onto private lands and makes it difficult for farmers and ranchers to decipher where their property is impacted.

She tells Brownfield while she believes the administrator means well, there haven’t been many opportunities for farmers and ranchers to share their perspectives.

“And the few opportunities that we’ve had haven’t been particularly meaningful, there hasn’t been a true exchange of ideas. So that’s an area where I think that the agency can certainly improve upon.”

Briggs says they’ve asked EPA to extend the comment period beyond February 7^th.