Goodlatte Introduces Bill to Help Farmers with "Bay Diet" Issues

Chesapeake Bay Foundation "Disappointed" At Goodlatte's Plan

Congressman Bob Goodlatte has introduced new Chesapeake Bay legislation that would give states and communities more flexibility in meeting water quality goals and hold the EPA accountable. Earlier this week, Goodlatte said the EPA is ignoring farmers' efforts to reduce the flow of nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment into the bay. He says the "Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act" will help create a model to capture all of the nutrient reductions that are happening.

However, an environmental group says Goodlatte's plan could have some big consequences especially in areas like the Valley. Libby Norris, who's a member of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, is "disappointed" at the plan and she says getting rid of federal funding could eliminate projects that help local farmers. On Friday, she said pushing the EPA aside could get rid of projects aimed at keeping water and animals that farmers depend on in the Valley healthy.

I don't see where this plan precludes federal help to farmers.  It seems to me that CBF is issuing a threat they don't have the authority to back up.  For CBF to insist on the more rigid scheme would suggest that they fear the outcome of new research into how to achieve those goals.

Farmers aren't fools. They understand where their interests lie, and Goodlatte represents those interests.  That's what a representative does.

I'M pretty sure that Goodlatte would be disappointed with this his if CBF were not disapointed.