Gov. Ricketts, Nebraska Ag & Business Groups Applaud WOTUS Repeal
Press Release
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska agriculture and business groups applauded an announcement by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt that the Trump Administration had finalized the repeal of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.
"Thank you to President Trump and Administrator Pruitt for delivering on your promise to roll back this job-killing regulation," said Governor Ricketts. "This policy returns federal oversight of intra-state waterways to pre-2015 standards, respects the rights of private land owners and states, and provides for ample protection of clean water. Removing this threat to our state's top industries gives Nebraska the freedom to grow more opportunities for the next generation in the areas of agriculture and manufacturing."
"Today, countless farmers, ranchers, homebuilders, manufacturers, county governments, golf courses, and small businesses are loudly celebrating the demise of EPA's proposed WOTUS rule," said Steve Nelson of Axtell speaking on behalf of the Common Sense Nebraska coalition. "For over two years, our coalition which represents the very industries who would have had to bear the brunt of this federal land grab, have worked tirelessly to stop this breathtaking assumption of authority by the federal government that flies in the face of Congressional intent, legal precedents, and even science. We want to thank the Trump Administration and EPA Administrator Pruitt specifically for now going back to the drawing board to write a new rule that actually protects water without trampling the rights of businesses and state regulatory agencies."
"I applaud the Trump Administration and Secretary Pruitt's announcement to walk away from the previous administration's WOTUS rule and begin the process to develop a new rule," said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach. "The expansive reach and inability to determine what water or land may fall under jurisdiction under the existing regulation puts Nebraska's agriculture industry in jeopardy. Our farmers and ranchers have proven to be thoughtful stewards of our land and resources, and jurisdiction of those resources should be the responsibility of the states. I look forward to the development of a new rule, founded in common sense, that will support Nebraska's ability to protect our water and land resources."
About Common Sense Nebraska
Common Sense Nebraska is a diverse, Nebraska-based coalition consisting of organizations and entities that have united in response to the EPA's "Waters of the U.S." rule, a regulatory proposal that would harm both rural and urban Nebraskans through expansion of the EPA's powers and authorities under the federal Clean Water Act. The coalition's purpose is to build awareness and understanding of the EPA proposal and the impacts it would have on Nebraskans. For more information visit Common Sense Nebraska on Facebook.
Common Sense Nebraska Coalition members include:
AKSARBEN Club Managers Association
Association of General Contractors - NE Chapter
Farm Credit Services of America
Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association
National Federation of Independent Businesses/Nebraska
Nebraska Agribusiness Association
Nebraska Association of County Officials
Nebraska Association of Resource Districts
Nebraska Bankers Association
Nebraska Cattlemen
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Nebraska Cooperative Council
Nebraska Corn Board
Nebraska Corn Growers Association
Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation
Nebraska Golf Course Superintendents Association
Nebraska Grain and Feed Association
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Association
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board
Nebraska Pork Producers Association
Nebraska Poultry Industries
Nebraska Rural Electric Association
Nebraska Soybean Association
Nebraska State Dairy Association
Nebraska State Home Builders Association
Nebraska State Irrigation Association
Nebraska Water Resources Association
Nebraska Wheat Board
Nebraska Wheat Growers Association
Nemaha Natural Resources District
Pawnee County Rural Water District #1
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