A rider on the Senate Interior Appropriations Bill that passed out of committee last week seeks to stop the EPA from funding campaigns against agriculture. This followed the EPA billboard controversy in Washington State. South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says he’s pleased Congress is moving ahead with this and calls the measure a step in the right direction although it may face some opposition.

He says federal agencies have no right to go forward advocating against agriculture or any other sector of the economy, especially by using taxpayer money.

Another rider placed on that Senate Appropriations bill is a provision to block the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. Rule. VanderWal says that’s positive as that rule goes against both state’s and individual property rights.

Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts applauded the Senate Appropriations committee for advancing the legislation.