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Read. Follow. Verify.Senate Hearing on Federal Environmental Regulations and Agriculture
Record date · January 1, 2018
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What This Bill Does
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on February 7, 2018, to examine how federal environmental policies affect American farmers and ranchers. The discussion focused on concerns that certain regulations are inflexible or duplicative, specifically highlighting the 'Waters of the United States' () rule.
This hearing serves as a formal record of industry concerns regarding federal oversight, which influences future legislative efforts to modify or repeal environmental regulations affecting agricultural land use and water rights.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Farmers and Ranchers
These groups are subject to federal environmental regulations that dictate land and water use on their properties.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The agency is responsible for implementing and revising environmental rules, including the WOTUS regulation.
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on February 7, 2018, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
- The committee discussed the impact of federal environmental regulations on farming and ranching communities.
- Chairman Barrasso stated that the committee's goal is to ensure environmental laws are effective without being overly burdensome.
- The 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) rule was identified as a primary concern for farmers and ranchers.
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- A delay in the implementation of the WOTUS rule was finalized the week prior to the hearing.
- The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers were granted time to revise the WOTUS rule to address concerns regarding the regulation of irrigation ditches, ponds, and puddles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
WOTUS Rule Delay
The hearing confirms a specific administrative pivot in early 2018 to delay and revise the WOTUS rule.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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