Agriculture could be impacted with the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. President Obama has vowed to nominate a replacement and that new Justice will be critical to the outcome of future cases that will affect the industry. One of the names that has been mentioned is Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap says if she was confirmed, it would be favorable to agriculture because she has been supportive of the industry.
A new Supreme Court Justice also becomes critical for agriculture because there are two cases the High Court may have to decide. One is the Waters of the U.S. rule and the other is the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Rule on water pollution, which the American Farm Bureau is challenging.
If the Republicans are successful, it’s possible a new Supreme Court Justice may not be named until a new President is elected.
