Monday, October 20, 2014

EPA water proposal is stirring up Senate race

Sasse left, Domina right.
A proposed federal rule is muddying the waters in Nebraska’s U.S. Senate race. Democrat Dave Domina and Republican Ben Sasse say there should be no confusion on the matter. Domina says it’s clearly much ado about nothing. Sasse says it’s clearly an attack on state and local government and private landowners. At issue are the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed regulations to clarify part of the Clean Water Act by defining what is meant by “waters of the United States.’’ The proposal expands the definition of waterways and focuses on streams and wetlands that feed into navigable lakes and rivers. Critics contend the proposed Waters of the United States rule poses a serious threat to farmers, ranches and other landowners. They say permits could be required to till soil or fertilize crops. Puddles, ponds, water in farm ditches — even streams that carry water only after rainstorms — could come under EPA control, critics warn. Food prices could climb if farming becomes a field in which it becomes more difficult to remain competitive and profitable, they say. Domina said the doomsday scenarios are myths that prey on well-meaning farmers and ranchers...more



Domina, the Democrat, goes on to say:

“There is no question the proposed regulation goes beyond what existed, but the rule does not disturb agricultural practices that I’m aware of anywhere in Nebraska,’’ he said. “This misinformation is a disservice to people who will spend money and energy they don’t have on unnecessary consultants selling them services they don’t need to manage their businesses.”

Ah yes, the whole issue is a "myth" caused by "misinformation" and if only the rural heathens were as smart as Domina & the envirocrats at EPA,  they would understand.  

The real problem, don't you see, is not the proposed regulation but the evil private sector and those "consultants" who are scaring the hell out of us with "misinformation" just so they can sell their services.

We also have a little divide and conquer going on here.  If the proposed rule "goes beyond what existed, but...does not disturb agricultural practices...anywhere in Nebraska", then we should just keep our mouths shut.  How dare someone oppose something just based on the principal involved.

Sasse, the Republican, says:

“I believe in reasonable, smart regulations,” Sasse said. “The Clean Water Act has done good things. But this is not smart regulation. Farmers are scared.’’

Sasse is apparently one of those Republicans who believe our environmental laws are OK, we just need "reasonable" reg's to implement them.  In fact, the reg's must be "smart."  I'm trying to remember the last time I saw a smart regulation.  Experience shows that what is "reasonable" will vary from one administration to another and we'll continue to be stuck with this problem until the law is amended.  A "smart" Republican would know that.

Finally, look at the photo.  If I hadn't labelled them, which one would you have guessed to be the Republican?  At least some things are looking up.



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