Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, labeling the Waters of the United States rule as unconstitutional, told the largest U.S. farm group, “I will appoint a pro-farmer administrator [to] EPA.” Responding to the same question about the limits of clean water laws, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton said she would maintain longstanding exemptions for common farming practices, while pushing for more clarity in application of the law.
Implementation of the so-called WOTUS rule, issued by EPA on Aug 28, 2015, has been stayed while federal courts hear lawsuits against it. Farm groups and homebuilders spearheaded the campaign against WOTUS, which defines the upstream reach of the Clean Water Act, as bureaucratic overreach. Farm-state lawmakers often complain EPA is deaf to rural concerns and want USDA to intercede, as senators suggested this week to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The presidential candidates discussed clean water rules in reply to a series of questions by the American Farm Bureau Federation, which began posting the candidates’ statements this week. In comments to Farm Futures, also posted this week, Clinton said she supports WOTUS “but [I] know we have to work with all stakeholders to ensure its common-sense implementation.”
Asked about the upcoming 2018 farm bill, Trump said, “I support a strong safety net for our farmers” and said, if elected, his administration would be “an active participant in writing the next farm bill and delivering it on time!” Trump did not say what should be part of the bill.
Clinton backed “a focused safety net” that targets “federal resources in commodity payment, crop insurance and disaster assistance programs – which is all the more important with current commodity market prices.” The farm bill also should improve rural economic development programs, she said, pointing to programs for broadband access, wastewater management and credit for small businesses.
Asked about food safety, Trump said he opposes mandatory GMO labeling. Clinton called for larger spending on agricultural research.
On immigration, Clinton said as president, she would “introduce comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to full and equal citizenship in my first 100 days in office.” Trump called for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and enforcement of current immigration laws, concluding, “Any immigration plan must improve jobs, wages and security for all Americans.”
The AFBF question-and-answer series is available here. For Farm Futures’ Q&A, click here.