Oregon ranchers sign on to lawsuit against EPA for proposed water rule

A lobbying group representing Oregon ranchers has joined a lawsuit contesting a proposed rule that would strengthen the federal government's control over water sources.

The proposed Clean Water Rule builds on the 1972 Clean Water Act, and contains a definition of the "Waters of the United States" -- becoming known as WOTUS -- that defines more clearly which bodies of water qualify for Environmental Protection Agency protections. The proposed rule has drawn the ire of powerful agriculture and development groups natonwide, who argue the rule is too broad and could impact how they do business.

As it stands now, the rule will be finalized Aug. 28.

The Oregon Cattlemen's Association, the state's most prominent ranching advocacy group, added its name in July to a lawsuit against the EPA. The lawsuit is through the libertarian nonprofit Pacific Legal Foundation, which is representing cattlemens' associations from a number of states, including California, New Mexico and Washington.

EPA officials have tried to reassure farmers and ranchers that the Waters of the U.S. preserves agriculture exemptions already in the Clean Water Act.

"The Clean Water Rule will provide greater clarity and certainty to farmers, will not create any new permitting requirements and will not add economic burden on agriculture," says an agency fact sheet geared to the ag community.

Some Oregon ranchers don't buy that.

"This rule directly affects our producer's abilities to be profitable and sustainable and our job as the OCA is to protect them, advocate for them and make sure that they're able to conduct their business without cumbersome regulation," said Douglas County rancher Nathan Jackson, who serves as treasurer for the association.

At least 27 states have filed lawsuits against the EPA over the rule, as well as agriculture, development and manufacturing industry groups and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Supporters of the rule, though, say it is necessary for the country to truly manage water and pollution in the future. Fishing organizations like that it protects water upstream that influences fish populations downstream.

And environmental groups support more governmental oversight that most states are too cash-strapped to provide.

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com
503-294-5923
@MollyHarbarger

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