They may be on opposite sides of the ticket, but Ryan Taylor and Doug Goehring share an opinion on the EPA's proposed rule change to the Clean Water Act.
Taylor, a Democrat is challenging Republican incumbent Goehring for agriculture commissioner. Taylor says North Dakotans want clean water, and a functioning agriculture economy - but with the rule changes, he says that becomes difficult. Taylor says the changes would grant federal permitting where it wasn't required before - and that type of control is an overreach of power.
"I think we do have the ability to ensure clean water at the state level, and of course, the ag commissioner who sits on the Water Commission, needs to ensure that as well because as farmers and ranchers ourselves, we want to make sure we are doing that job well."
Goehring agrees. He says the original Clean Water Act gave EPA authority over "navigable waters," not over water in every pot hole or drop of water above ground in North Dakota, and says the proposed rules widens the jurisdiction of the EPA to cover wetlands, ditches, seasonal streams, ponds, floodplains and other areas. He says those rules also create a confusing scenario for farmers, by requiring permits for common work like fertilizing or weed control. Goehring says he and others in the ag community are calling for an extended comment period to make sure concerns can be laid on the table.
"We've asked that they withdraw and reconsider, and that the intent that Congress first initially put forward needs to be considered. And at a minimum, we request that a 120 day extension be added to the comment period. As of June 5th the comment period will close on the interpretive rule, and on July 21st on the proposed rule. We need more time."
Both Taylor and Goehring urge farmers to educate themselves on the proposed changes.
