Hoeven Working to Support Conservation Priorities for Farmers, Ranchers, Sportsmen

Statement

Senator John Hoeven today told members of the N.D. Association of Soil Conservation Districts (ASCD) that he is working as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Agriculture Appropriations Committee to push for conservation priorities. These include programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) SAFE program, which is a familiar and effective CRP program that maximizes the impact of conservation dollars in a farmer-friendly manner.

Hoeven told the group that their voice is important not only at the local level, but also at the federal level, when lawmakers consider legislation that affects the entire nation. The senator said he's looking forward to seeing the results of the organization's 2016 Farm Bill Survey and invited them to submit ideas or concerns directly to him or his office.

"Agriculture and natural resources form the foundation of our economy in North Dakota, which makes commonsense, effective conservation programs a key to our success," Hoeven said. "As we write the next Farm Bill, and through the annual appropriations process, we want to hear ideas, opinions and issues of importance to you. With the Farm Bill expiring in 2018, we are busy gathering ideas, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on what the Farm Bill Conservation Title should look like. ASCD members provide valuable insight because they live and work on the land."

Hoeven also outlined his efforts to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency's Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule to ensure the management of local waters are put in the hands of the landowners and local governments, rather than the federal government. He said with a new Congress and administration, the WOTUS rule can now be rescinded permanently.

Source