WV Farm Bureau Magazine October 2014 | Page 2

bytes EPA, Environmental Intervenors Withdraw Appeal of Alt Case Comment Period on Waters of U.S. Issue Extended Again The EPA’s decision not to appeal a key federal ruling in favor of West Virginia farmer Lois Alt highlights the cynicism that drives the agency’s water agenda, says the American Farm Bureau. The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have extended the comment period on the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule to Nov. 14. The U.S. Court for the Northern District of West Virginia earlier ruled against EPA and in favor of farmer Lois Alt in October 2013. The court rejected EPA’s contention that the Clean Water Act regulates ordinary stormwater runoff from the farmyard (nonproduction areas) at large livestock or poultry farms. In an email sent to reporters about the extension, EPA indicated its Scientific Advisory Board is wrapping up a report on the connectivity of small bodies of water such as streams and wetlands. Moving the deadline to Nov. 14 will give the public more time to comment on the results of the report once it is released, according to the agency. AFBF General Counsel Ellen Steen said: “By dropping its appeal, EPA presumably hopes to avoid a loss in the appellate court. EPA appears to be saying it will continue to enforce its position against other farmers, even though it’s not willing to defend that position in court.” Added AFBF President Bob Stallman, “For most of us, standing firm doesn’t mean walking away just because you are afraid you won’t like the outcome. EPA might call that smart and strategic, but I call it cynical and cowardly. Lois Alt should be proud of her environmental stewardship and her courage in standing up to EPA. She won an important court victory that will benefit many others, and we are proud to have supported her efforts.” Weigh in and tell the EPA you oppose the rule today at http://ditchtherule.fb.org/#filter=.action, or call the WVFB office at 800-398-4630 x. 306 and we’ll send you an information packet. Articles for NewsBytes must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Time-sensitive announcements must be submitted no less than 8 weeks prior to the date of the event. Electronic submissions, including photos, are preferred. Send to [email protected]. Photo credits: Page 8: ©ProductionPerig/dreamstime.com; page 14: ©arinahabich/dollarphotoclub.com; ©WavebreakMediaMicro/dollarphotoclub.com