Agricultural News
Sen. Jim Inhofe Denounces WOTUS, Talks TPP Viability During Oklahoma Visit Promoting SQ-777
Thu, 20 Oct 2016 16:04:40 CDT
Visiting Oklahoma this week to promote State Question 777 - Right to Farm, is Sen. Jim Inhofe. Radio Oklahoma Network's Associate Farm Director Carson Horn, had the chance to catch up with the senator and speak with him in regard to several pieces of legislation with the potential to greatly affect rural communities, including the Waters of the US rule (WOTUS) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
When the topic of WOTUS was brought up, Sen. Inhofe referred to it as "a huge political issue," and referenced a recent conversation he'd had with Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan.
"When I said what is the greatest concern of our Oklahoma farmers," Inhofe said, "he said, 'overregulation by the EPA,' and then specifically the overregulation of what they're trying to do to waters of the United States."
Historically, laws pertaining to water have always been within the jurisdiction of the states. According to Sen. Inhofe, liberal interest groups for many years have attempted to introduce legislation to transfer this authority from the states to the federal government - something the senator says he has managed to keep from happening as chairman of Environment and Public Works Committee.
"And that's exactly what they are trying to do," Inhofe said. "Well we want to keep it in the states."
EPA's recent push to enforce WOTUS, even after an order to stay the rule, is of course all happening as the Obama administration prepares to leave office, with the prospect that a Republican could be moving into the White House. Sen. Inhofe is telling Oklahomans that unless they want to see this sort of action continue, they should vote for the candidate that will bring change.
"The EPA - they work for the president," Inhofe said. "I don't care what you think of Donald Trump. He wasn't my choice but he's sure my choice now, because with Hillary Clinton, you'll get four more years of Barack Obama. I'm not sure our country can handle it."
The senator also brought up TPP, the trade deal that neither of the presidential hopefuls have expressed much enthusiasm over, yet in contrast, is supported by President Obama. Sen. Inhofe says while there is the potentiality that a TPP vote could take place during the Lame Duck session, the reality of it is not likely. He attributes several concerns held by policy makers as the hold up, fearing it may stir competition with economic rivals like China. Though, if the legislation were to pass, it is expected to create approximately $4.4 billion in new farm revenue and 40,000 new jobs.
Listen to Sen. Jim Inhofe and Carson Horn's full conversation about WOTUS and TPP, by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below. You can also hear their previous conversation over State Question 777 - Right to Farm, by clicking here.
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