FARGO, N.D. (Sept. 13, 2019) – North Dakota Grain Growers Association President Jeff Mertz has issued a response to yesterday’s announcement by the EPA and the Department of the Army that the 2015 rule expanding the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act will be repealed.
Mertz said the rule is a prime example of government overreach. “Water management issues have been a main focus for the NDGGA for years,” Mertz said. “WOTUS has had a negative impact on North Dakota agriculture, particularly in the prairie pothole region. It would have hindered farmers’ abilities to make land improvements with water management tools so we’re glad to see it will be repealed.”
Mertz added that despite the positive news, the work towards practical water management regulations is still ongoing. “This is a step in the right direction, but we will continue to meet with legislators and top policy makers in Washington to fight for regulations that support both the sustainability of our environment and the success of North Dakota farmers,” he said.
