This week legislation was introduced in the House to prevent EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers from going forward with their Waters of the U.S. rule. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the House bill as well as companion legislation in the Senate. NCBA Environmental Counsel Ashley McDonald says the House measure eliminates what could be potentially devastating impacts to agriculture caused by regulatory over reach.

McDonald says EPA officials have been pushing their proposed rule saying they’re trying to clarify the Clean Water Act and not intending to curtail normal ag practices. She says the rule is vague and burdensome and needs to be withdrawn.

McDonald says if the proposed rule isn’t stopped it’ll give regulators authority and access to nearly any water and with it all land use activities including ranching.