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Resolution 2009-6

Resolution on the Clean Water Act

WHEREAS:  in 1972, Congress passed the Clean Water Act, a product of thoughtful deliberation; and

WHEREAS:  the burden for overseeing the Clean Water Act is shouldered by the states through their frontline monitoring, assessing and protecting the health of the nation's waters; and

WHEREAS:  Congress specifically recognized the important role of the states in Sec 101 (b) of the act stating, 'it is the policy of the Congress to recognize, preserve and protect the primary responsibilities and rights of the states to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution, to plan the development and use of land and water resources and to consult with the Federal Administration in the exercise of this authority;' and

WHEREAS:  Congress has debated legislation that would expand the Federal role under the Clean Water Act to 'all waters of the United States'; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that State Agricultural and Rural Leaders is supportive of the 'cooperative federalism' that Congress originally created under the Clean Water Act and believe legislative efforts should not diminish or reduce the role of the states as recognized under current federal law; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to The United States Congress, Secretary of Agriculture, and the agricultural committees of the state legislatures.