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Posted on Feb 5, 2014 in Audio, Editorial, Your Texas Agriculture Minute

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE


 

EPA overreach stresses Texas farmers and ranchers

 

By Gene Hall

What is effective environmental policy?

Is it setting the regulation bar so high that business and agriculture shut down because the goal is unattainable? Or should it balance scientific, economic and social outcomes to enhance economic opportunities so our nation remains the most prosperous on earth.

Listen up, EPA. Your overreach in environmental regulation using scientific conjecture goes far beyond sound science and common sense.

Your recent proposal defining the waters you intend to regulate under the Clean Water Act is a classic example. It troubles us that your scientific report implies, that because all waters are in some way connected, that your authority is limitless. This is complete and utter nonsense.

The impact of this interpretation, if rolled into federal regulation, means more permits, additional requirements, the threat of additional litigation and farmers and ranchers parking the tractor because growing food is no longer viable.

We support sound environmental policy based on scientific fact. Taking care of our precious soil and water resources ensures a safe and secure food supply for our nation and a good living for our families.

Quit grasping at straws, EPA. It is sucking the life out of agriculture and America’s future.

 

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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