SDFB statement on South Dakota joining states' lawsuit against EPA

The South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) is voicing its support for the State of South Dakota’s decision to join 12 other States in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the EPA’s new rule defining “Waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act.

Statement from Scott VanderWal, SDFB President:

“The federal government is attempting to vastly broaden its authority to regulate land and water management, and we believe the Waters of the U.S. rule goes way beyond what was authorized by Congress. South Dakota joining this suit shows that Attorney General Jackley understands the impact of this misguided rule on all of South Dakota agriculture, as well as on counties and municipalities. All citizens, whether they’re involved in agriculture or not, should be concerned about the interference and over-regulation coming from our federal government.”

The South Dakota Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general agriculture organization, representing more than 14,300 farm, ranch and rural families across the state.