Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/815832
WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 37 WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 37 162809Baicor13s.indd 1 10/25/16 2:58 PM PH: 218-346-3357 • Toll Free: 888-884-8070 47418 US Hwy 10 Perham, MN 56573 • w w w . b t u v e n t . c o m 165656BTUVen13s.indd 1 1/23/17 3:10 PM from Texas, said, "Over the past eight years, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have repeatedly ignored the concerns of our nation's farmers and ranchers in their quest to implement the WOTUS rule. I applaud President Trump for taking the first steps to dismantle this egregious example of regulatory overreach." The repeal of WOTUS was strongly supported by the National Potato Council (NPC) and a host of other agricultural organizations due to the rule's potential burden on growers. The largest negative effect was the requirement for federal permits or authorizations prior to engaging in activities near or within waters found on farmland. The repeal is part of a broader review of federal regulations that is intended to return to a science-based, transparent process for addressing environmental regulations. The NPC has commented on ever-growing concerns over the erosion of sound science in EPA decision-making on the Clean Water Act and pesticide policy. As part of continued advocacy for the industry, the NPC has encouraged and participated in open dialogue with the EPA, most recently face-to-face during February's Potato D.C. Fly-In. As the president seeks to roll back burdensome regulations, he is also seeking to initiate changes at the EPA via reduced spending. According to the president's proposed budget, the administration is considering cuts of 31 percent at the EPA. That would take the agency from its current level of $8.1 billion to about $6 billion, and reduce the agency's workforce by about 3,000 people. It will be important for growers that any budget reduction, if approved, is directed to the areas where overreach occurs and not critical functions affecting agriculture and crop protection. The NPC is optimistic that a first step has been taken with the acknowledgement by the president that regulatory reform is needed. As part of that reform, the NPC respects the administration's desire to reduce the overall size of the federal government. However, the NPC wants to ensure that as overreach is checked, any reductions in budget and staff are thoughtfully implemented. We continue to support the need for a transparent, science- based process.