Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4956

Introduced
7/27/23  
Refer
7/27/23  

Caption

Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act of 2023

Impact

By instituting this advisory committee, the bill intends to foster a collaborative atmosphere between agricultural interests and federal regulatory entities. The committee, comprised of 32 members who are all farmers or ranchers, will focus on multiple aspects of WOTUS regulations, including the impact of prior-converted farmland exemptions, common agricultural practices subject to regulation, and the status of food supply chains. The production of a comprehensive report with recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture and relevant congressional committees is required within one year of the committee's appointment.

Summary

House Bill 4956, known as the Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act of 2023, aims to establish an advisory committee tasked with studying the impact of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations on American agriculture. This bill responds to concerns from farmers and ranchers regarding how federal regulations define jurisdictional waters under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It is designed to give a voice to agricultural stakeholders in discussions about how these regulations affect agricultural practices and supply chains in rural America.

Contention

While supporters of HB 4956 argue that the advisory committee will facilitate better regulatory clarity and assist farmers in navigating complex environmental laws, critics may contend that such measures could delay the enforcement of necessary environmental protections. Given the potential conflicts between agricultural practices and environmental sustainability, the establishment of this committee could also evoke debate about the adequacy of current regulations in safeguarding water resources. The bill aims to provide farmers with safe harbor conditions for voluntary conservation practices, which could be met with mixed reactions depending on differing priorities between economic and environmental stakeholders.

Companion Bills

US SB1023

Same As Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act of 2023

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