A new Environmental Protection Agency regulation would negatively impact Louisiana's agricultural industry. Last Friday, a federal appeals court ruling blocked implementation of the Waters Of The United States Act, that would give the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increased jurisdiction over state waters.
U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham (La.-5) says the regulation is overreaching in its current form. "This would extend to any tributary, seasonal creeks, even irrigation ditches. Anything that has a connection to a navigable body of water."
The act would allow the EPA or Corps of Engineers to enforce the Clean Water Act. The result would likely mean area farmers would be required to obtain government permits for activities that have been considered normal practices of farming.
Abraham says in addition the the appeals court stay, he has co-sponsored the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act. The measure would nullify the current WOTUS item and require a new guideline to be introduced.
Louisiana and 18 other states have filed suit against the EPA saying the new proposal is unconstitutional and that it violates the federal Administrative Procedures Act.
