With 2016 an election year, many in the agriculture industry are asking what the pending changes will mean for farm policy. Here are some of the top issues to track this year.

 

Clean Water Act 

 

Turn your eyes to the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit. Attorney and ag law expert John Dillard says this case will tell us what we need to know about the reach of the Clean Water Act. Des Moines Water Works is suing drainage districts in three rural Iowa counties for increased levels of nitrates in their water. “The suit alleges that excess nitrogen is coming from tiled fields,” Dillard explains. “Because they can’t target farmers for this pollution, Water Works is arguing that the water leaving the drains is a point source of pollution.” This is the first case of its kind and could have major implications for farmers.

 

WOTUS

 

A new twist to the Clean Water Act is the Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS). Heavily debated and opposed by agriculture groups, WOTUS is at a stalled point that won’t be resolved any time soon. “WOTUS is held up in court,” Dillard says. “In 2016, we’ll see some movement in the litigation, but it’s not likely we’ll see a solution this year.”

 

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