April 9, 2008

Montana rancher testifies in opposition to Clean Water Act expansion

(Audio with rancher Randy Smith of Glen, Mont., testifying on behalf the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Montana Stockgrowers Association)

Testifying on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Montana rancher Randy Smith  appeared today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in opposition to a proposal that would greatly expand the federal government’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. Senate Bill 1870 would strike the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act’s definition of “waters of the United States” – thereby expanding the reach of the Clean Water Act to even the smallest and most isolated bodies of water.     

Supporters of S. 1870 contend the bill simply restores the original intent of Congress with regard to the Clean Water Act. But Smith rejected that claim and said this legislation would subject cattle producers to unprecedented federal regulatory intrusion into their private business operations.   

Audio Clip:   :43        Out cue: “… nothing less than shocking.”