Farmers step up their fight against new EPA water rule

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http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/farmers-step-up-their-fight-against-new-epa-water-rule/article_90c9c31b-4903-5736-83cc-5e70f1a1c5a3.html

POSTED: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015 1:00 AM
McClatchy Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — Farm interests are pushing against a recently finalized federal water rule after an analysis by a trade group concluded that the rule “creates even more risk and uncertainty” for those who work the land.

Opponents in Congress are trying to rework and sharply limit the impact of what was known initially as the “Waters of the United States” rule, which was designed to help federal officials clarify and simplify which bodies of water fall under the control of the 1972 Clean Water Act.

While those efforts have broad support in Congress, they might not have enough to override a presidential veto, sending the rule to the courts.

The rule is important to farmers because it has the potential to change how they manage their land — requiring permits, for example, if activities would affect covered areas.

FULL story at link.

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