The Environmental Protection Agency finalized its “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) proposed rule, which unilaterally strips private property rights and adds hundreds of thousands of stream miles and acres of land to federal jurisdiction. In the Clean Water Act, they added language to the law that leaves regulation up to the subjectivity of individual regulators across the country. By … Read More
House Ag Ready to Repeal COOL
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-TX) held a press conference today to announce legislation to repeal the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef, pork and chicken. Conaway was joined by a bi-partisan group of representatives from a variety of states including Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR), … Read More
Industry Reacts to Final WTO COOL Ruling
In response to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) fourth and final ruling on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for muscle cuts of beef and pork, the COOL Reform Coalition is calling for “immediate congressional intervention” to bring the U.S. into compliance with its trade obligations and avoid the threat of retaliatory action on the part of Mexico and Canada. “We … Read More
Defense Bill Passes with ESA Provisions
Language to block the listing of the greater sage grouse passed the House last week as part of the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applaud the House for working to prevent an arbitrary listing that would have significant negative impacts on the West. “Livestock grazing and wildlife habitat … Read More
Policy Influencers Learn About Antibiotic Use
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has focused efforts on continuing educational on the use of antibiotics in the cattle industry. On Capitol Hill, staffers gathered to hear from Dr. Guy Loneragan, veterinary epidemiologist and professor of Food Safety and Public Health and at Texas Tech University, as part of NCBA’s “Beef 101” educational series. NCBA also hosted another FDA … Read More
Senators and Ag Interests Promote TPA
Senate Republicans and agriculture industry leaders held a press conference in Washington today to discuss the ways new trade deals could benefit the agriculture community and urge passage of the bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation. Senators speaking on behalf of TPA included Republican Conference Chairman John Thune (R-SD), Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) … Read More
House Passes Regulatory Integrity Protection Act
Yesterday the House passed the H.R. 1732 Regulatory Integrity Protection Act by a vote of 261 to 155 to withdraw the proposed “waters of the United States” rule. Here is a statement by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Chugwater, Wyoming, cattleman Philip Ellis: “We commend the members of the House on taking this action to protect America’s farmers, … Read More
House Votes to Kill Death Tax
By a vote of 240-179 largely along party lines, the U.S. House voted Thursday to repeal the federal estate tax, better known by opponents as the “death tax.” Co-sponsor Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) told his colleagues that repealing the tax is a top priority for farmers and ranchers in his state and around the nation. “Agriculture, particularly raising cattle and … Read More
House Committee Calls for Repeal of WOTUS
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council applaud the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for sending a clear message to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers that the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule is an expansion of federal jurisdiction that strips rights from private property owners. Passing the full Committee today by … Read More
Groups Provide Input on Dietary Committee Report
Some 70 organizations offered input on the new Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report during a meeting for public comments hosted by the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture last week. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) took exception to recommendations in the report that advise Americans to eat less meat. NCBA Nutrition Scientist and Registered Dietitian Shalene McNeill, … Read More