YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Beware the power hungry EPA

By Gene Hall

Just three minutes of your time today could keep the EPA out of your backyard tomorrow.

The Environmental Protection Agency is trying to project and expand its regulatory authority under the guise of the Clean Water Act.

EPA has proposed a rule that would take “navigable waters” out of the definition of types of water it has power over.

This action would give the agency control over virtually any body of water or anywhere water flows. Ditches, flood plains, farm ponds, grassy waterways and many other areas would fall under its regulatory grasp.

Possible consequences? Farmers and ranchers could be required to get permits to build fences, graze and complete normal, everyday activities on their own land.

I support clean water, but the EPA’s proposal is a raw grab for power. Keep the EPA out of our backyards. Our private property rights are at stake.

Click the VoterVoice link on the legislative page at TexasFarmBureau.org. Tell the EPA it’s time to Ditch the Rule.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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