The concern is not whether clean water, clean air, healthy soil, and responsible stewardship are desirable. Of course they are. The concern is whether calling an environmental condition a “human right” provides a coherent legal rule.
The federal government is closer to a “Waters of the United States” definition that is narrower, more predictable, and more consistent with the Constitution—but farmers should not mistake this for the end of the WOTUS saga.
Nothing changes immediately. This is a supplemental proposal, and EPA will accept comments for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register before developing a final rule.
Officials say stakeholder input will help shape a new Waters of the U.S. definition.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen explains how two eminent domain cases could impact farmers, ranchers, and future infrastructure projects involving private land.
Congressional Western Caucus Chair Rep. Celeste Maloy discusses water availability and management, one of western agriculture’s most pressing policy issues.
Data centers will continue expanding, but local decisions will determine whether that growth protects agricultural water access or adds stress to already vulnerable production regions.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses late-season planting progress, market fundamentals heading into summer, and the influence of biofuel policy on grain demand.
To preserve their property rights, farmers and ranchers must understand the procedural tactics of federal enforcement and take proactive steps to document the visual realities of their land.