NCBA, PLC Urge Senate To Stop Federal Land Grab, Protect Private Property Rights

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) are urging the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee to oppose the so-called “Clean Water Restoration Act,” (CWRA) scheduled for markup tomorrow. This dangerous bill would grant the federal government sweeping new regulatory authority, posing serious concerns about government infringement on private-property rights. NCBA and PLC sent the following letter to members of the EPW Committee today: “The Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA), scheduled to be marked-up tomorrow in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, would significantly expand federal jurisdiction over private farms and ranches. This bill amounts to nothing less than a giant federal land grab and would be disastrous to U.S. agriculture. On behalf of the men and woman of America’s farming and ranching community, you must vote against this bill. Anything less is a vote against agriculture. “This bill is unnecessary and unjustifiable, and sets a dangerous precedent towards the continuing erosion of our fundamental constitutional rights as American citizens. No compromise or exemption will cover all of the farms and ranches in the U.S. To fully protect agriculture, the term “navigable” must remain in the Clean Water Act. ..