Waters of the U.S. Rule Might be Heard by Supreme Court; $17.6 Million for Organic Research
Challenges to the EPA’s Clean Water Rule, or Waters of the U.S. rule, will probably end up in the Supreme Court—it’s just a matter of how long that will take. In a hearing on WOTUS earlier this week, a federal appeals court judge indicated the lawsuits will make their way to the high court. The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments this week regarding its own jurisdiction to rule on dozens of lawsuits filed against the EPA rule. The Sixth Circuit judges must now decide whether they will take the lead in overseeing the lawsuits and various legal arguments. More than 30 states have joined lawsuits against the rule, as well as a glut of industry groups and businesses.
USDA announced $17.6 million in available funding to support research and outreach activities that will help growers, producers, and processors find innovative ways to improve organic agriculture. The grants are being funded through the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative. Ag Secretary Vilsack stated the funding will “ help identify innovative solutions to critical challenges facing organic agriculture.”