USPOULTRY Joins Coalition Challenging Clean Water Rule

US - The US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recently joined a broad coalition, made up of agricultural and industry groups, in a lawsuit that seeks to vacate the controversial “Clean Water Rule” issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps of Engineers earlier this year.
calendar icon 24 September 2015
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On 28 June 2015, EPA and the Corp issued the final rule despite the submission of detailed comments which pointed out shortcomings keeping the rule from achieving the agencies’ stated goal of providing more clarity for landholders.

Ambiguous determinations on the existence of a bed, bank and ordinary high water mark and numerous other issues threaten a poultry and egg farmer’s ability to perform everyday farming activities without fear of violating the Clean Water Act, according to USPOULTRY.

Issuance of the rule was justified by the EPA and the Corp in order to provide certainty, clarity and predictability to the regulated public. USPOULTRY noted in its comments to the EPA that if this justification was genuine, the agency had no choice but to withdraw the rule and start again with real and meaningful input from the agricultural community.

“EPA and the Corp promised a rule that would give poultry and egg farmers a clear understanding of waterways that fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.

"The final rule failed to provide that guidance, and it is imperative that we challenge this rule in support of our members,” remarked USPOULTRY president John Starkey.

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