The Missouri House of Representative passed HB 1973, sponsored by Rep. John Wiemann, by a 105-38 vote on Thursday. According to Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Mike Deering, the bill provides statutory basis to existing regulations that exempt stormwater (rain) and irrigation back-flows from water pollution permit requirements.
“This bill is designed to strike vagueness in Missouri water regulations and add clarity,” said Deering. “The bill clarifies what is deemed unlawful under Missouri Clean Water Law because as the law is written now, virtually any water contaminant in any amount whatsoever could be considered as unlawful pollution. I think most would agree this is unreasonably restrictive.”
Deering said it is not farfetched to believe a cattle producer could receive a letter stating that they are breaking the law.
“Our regulatory agencies in this state deserve to have straightforward laws in which to operate and do their jobs,” said Deering. “Farmers and ranchers also have a job to do and they need laws that are clear and easy to interpret.”
Deering emphasized that the legislation has nothing to do with confined animal feeding operations.
“We are really just talking about rain. In recent days, much of the state has received a lot of it,” he said. “We just don’t want to see a farmer with one cow or 100 cows be accused of breaking the law because their pasture is flooded. Farmers and ranchers take pride in being good stewards of the land, water, and its resources. Simply put, their livelihoods depend on it.”
Similar legislation (SB 823) was also filed in the Senate by Sen. Dave Schatz. HB 1973 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
