Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Back Bill to Provide Regulatory Certainty for Farms

Earlier this month, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dan Newhouse cosponsored legislation they said will clarify which regulations apply to the agriculture community, specifically to the dairy industry when it comes to nutrient levels in the soil.  Newhouse said dairies in the lower Yakima Valley have worked with the EPA, trying to address local pollutant concerns.  But he said the efforts became more challenging in 2015 when a Federal Judge in Spokane said dairies had to adhere to nutrient management activities under RCRA, (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976).

Newhouse added while the ag community should not be left off the environmental hook, farmers should know which regulations they should follow.

“What people are asking for and I think they rightfully deserve is a certainty and clarity about what laws they have to follow, and that’s what we’re trying to provide.”

Newhouse said House Resolution 848 will offer increased protection for individuals, diligently seeking to treat identified issues and prevent farmers from being targeted twice if they are already engaged in legal action.  Newhouse added this will benefit farmers outside of the dairy industry as well.

“Know what rules they are expected to follow, so we can get better environmental results.  You know, it’s a little unfair of anyone to be held accountable to a rule that was not meant to apply to them and they did not know applied to them.”

McMorris Rodgers said it’s important a collaborative culture is created between both the state and federal government and farmers to reduce their environmental footprint.  Click Here to learn more about HR 848.

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