KLA President Barb Downey of Wamego testified this week during a hearing hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corp of Engineers on the proposed waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. During her testimony, Downey thanked the agencies for issuing a proposed definition that provides regulatory clarity for the agricultural community and aligns with congressional intent.
“As a rancher, clean water is essential for the success of my operation. As we look forward to our fifth generation taking care of the land and cattle, my family is proactively taking steps to ensure that clean water and healthy cattle are part of the grassland ecosystem. We recognize and actively protect clean water for our cattle, our ranch, our neighbors and our communities, both today and tomorrow,” said Downey.
The new rule would replace the illegally vague 2015 WOTUS rule and better clarify where the Clean Water Act applies and where it does not. It would limit jurisdiction to perennially and intermittently flowing waters. Features such as ephemeral streams, most roadside or farm ditches, prior converted cropland and depressions containing water only after a rainfall event would not be classified as WOTUS.
NCBA and KLA will be submitting comments on the proposed rule. KLA members are encouraged to do the same by going here. The deadline for comments is April 15.