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Iowa Ag News Headlines |
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Iowa Reacts to New Navigable Waters Protection Rule
Iowa Ag Connection - 01/24/2020
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement Thursday in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) creating a new rule that more clearly establishes what bodies of water and land masses are subject to federal regulation. The "Navigable Waters Protection Rule" revises the flawed 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that expanded the regulatory authority of EPA and the Corps far beyond what is allowed under the Clean Water Act.) final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
"The 2015 WOTUS rule...failed to clearly define which bodies of water fall under the Navigable Waters Protection Rule," said Naig. "The new rule...helps address these issues by defining four categories of waters that are considered 'waters of the United States.' This provides clarity and consistency for stakeholders, and removes one hurdle we had to overcome to implement conservation practices outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy."
Governor Kim Reynolds said, "Iowa farmers, families, and property owners will benefit substantially from the redefined 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) rule. This new rule provides clarity, predictability, and consistency while also balancing environmental protections with the rights and interests of states like ours.
The rule also lists which waters are not subject to federal control, like ponds created from rainfall, farm and roadside ditches and farm and stock watering ponds.
The rule should go into effect in March.
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