National Association of Conservation Districts

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NACD SUPPORTS BARRASSO-HELLER
EFFORTS TO UPHOLD THE CLEAN WATER ACT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—November 9, 2011— The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is calling on the Senate to support an amendment by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Dean Heller (R-NV) to defund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ attempt to expand its jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The amendment was introduced as part as of H.R. 2354, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for Fiscal year 2012.

“We agree with Senators Barrasso and Heller that the jurisdictional reach of the Clean Water Act should not be expanded,” said NACD President Gene Schmidt. “As conservationists, we fully support the common goal of achieving cleaner, healthier watersheds across the nation. The best way to achieve clean water is through locally-led conservation efforts, rather than a one-size-fits-all, top-down federal regulatory approach. States, local governments and private landowners play a critical leadership role in water management.”

The nation’s 3,000 conservation districts work closely with state and local governments, agricultural producers, forest landowners, homeowners and developers to address local water resource concerns and protect our streams, rivers, and lakes. This work encompasses several CWA authorities, including Section 319 nonpoint source grants, stormwater permits and source water/drinking water protection.

“As a nation we need to be fully committed to providing the necessary tools and assistance to landowners and local communities to achieve clean water goals,” said Schmidt. “This investment—along with appropriate conservation incentives—will provide for the implementation of conservation strategies and make the necessary changes to the landscape to accomplish these vital goals.” We look forward to continuing to work with you to achieve the important public benefits of clean water and healthy watersheds across the nation.”

NACD promotes locally-led conservation efforts, and stands ready to assist landowners and state and local governments in addressing local water resource concerns. NACD continues to oppose any regulatory or legislative proposals seeking to eliminate the important leadership role currently played by states and local government in water management.

To view NACD’s letter of support, click here.

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The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation's 3,000 conservation districts and 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD's website is at www.nacdnet.org.