Statement from ICGA President Bob Hemesath on Governor Branstad Intervening in WOTUS Lawsuit

On behalf of Iowa’s corn farmers, the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) would like to thank Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds for intervening in the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Lawsuit. The WOTUS rule is overreaching and could hamper Iowa farmers’ ability to implement the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

While this rule making is much needed to clarify which waters need appropriate permits, the final rule made things worse.  The rule making process was flawed and made significant changes without an opportunity to make public comments.  We are concerned that erosional features, grass waterways, ditches, and farmed wetlands will be jurisdictional and require permits, discouraging the continuation of conservation measures.  EPA should start over and work with the states in crafting a rule that is workable both for farmers and the regulatory agencies.

ICGA will stand up and use our voice in hopes that the EPA will re-work this ruling and propose a new one that allows farmers to continue to do their jobs without costly permits. This issue will be decided by the Courts, and ICGA is glad Iowa will now have representation in the lawsuit.

For More Information:

Shannon Textor
Director of Marketing & Communications
Iowa Corn Growers Association
515-979-8987
stextor@iowacorn.org

Lisa Cassady
PR Manager
Iowa Corn Growers Association
515-443-3947
lcassady@iowacorn.org