Agricultural News
National Association of Conservation Districts Supports Efforts to Uphold the Clean Water Act
Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:02:37 CST
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is calling on the Senate to support an amendment by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Dean Heller (R-NV) to defund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' attempt to expand its jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The amendment was introduced as part as of H.R. 2354, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for Fiscal year 2012.
"We agree with Senators Barrasso and Heller that the jurisdictional reach of the Clean Water Act should not be expanded," said NACD President Gene Schmidt. "As conservationists, we fully support the common goal of achieving cleaner, healthier watersheds across the nation. The best way to achieve clean water is through locally-led conservation efforts, rather than a one-size-fits-all, top-down federal regulatory approach. States, local governments and private landowners play a critical leadership role in water management."
The nation's 3,000 conservation districts work closely with state and local governments, agricultural producers, forest landowners, homeowners and developers to address local water resource concerns and protect our streams, rivers, and lakes. This work encompasses several CWA authorities, including Section 319 nonpoint source grants, stormwater permits and source water/drinking water protection.
"As a nation we need to be fully committed to providing the necessary tools and assistance to landowners and local communities to achieve clean water goals," said Schmidt. "This investment along with appropriate conservation incentives will provide for the implementation of conservation strategies and make the necessary changes to the landscape to accomplish these vital goals."
NACD promotes locally-led conservation efforts, and stands ready to assist landowners and state and local governments in addressing local water resource concerns. NACD continues to oppose any regulatory or legislative proposals seeking to eliminate the important leadership role currently played by states and local government in water management.
Click here to view NACD's letter of support.
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