June 19 , 2007
index to previous eNotes
- Farm Bill Mark-up Postponed
- OMB Director Steps Down
- Clean Water Act Legislation Introduced
- House Agriculture Committee Wraps Up Subcommittee Work
- Energy Bill Expected this Week
- Northern Plains Leaders Address Local Issues
- 2007 Legislative Conference - Have you registered?
- NACD Launches 509 Capitol Court Campaign
- Districts Win in Texas Liability Suit
- NACD Executive Director's Conference around the Corner
- CTIC Hosts Workshop on Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico
1. Farm Bill Mark-up Postponed
The House Agriculture Committee has postponed review of the entire 2007 Farm Bill proposal, originally scheduled for next week. NACD now expects that the full committee will review the bill after the Fourth of July Recess. In light of the schedule and expectations that the committee will deal with many amendments on all issues, NACD formally submitted a letter to the committee today. The letter addresses the need to continue locally-led conservation program delivery and maintain NRCS administration of conservation programs. To view the letter online, click here.
2. OMB Director Steps Down
Rob Portman, the current director of the Office of Management and Budget has stepped down from his position and will be replaced by former Representative and Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA). Nussle left Congress for an unsuccessful bid for Governor in the 2006 election. Many credit Nussle for securing the $73 billion in additional funding for the Farm Bill in 2002 during his time as Budget Chairman.
3. Clean Water Act Legislation Introduced
Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has introduced legislation to define "waters of the United States" in the Clean Water Act (CWA). This legislation is designed to counter two Supreme Court decisions on the CWA and the subsequent EPA/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers guidance released earlier this month regarding wetlands (see 6/12/07 eNotes article). Congressman Oberstar, who was in Congress when the 1972 CWA was written, is seeking to clarify the original intent of the bill to cover all waters of the United States, and not limit the jurisdiction to "navigable waterways." NACD is reviewing this legislation for its impacts effort of districts across the country. The Committee is likely to hold hearings on the bill later this summer.
4. House Agriculture Committee Wraps Up Subcommittee Work
Today the General Farm Commodities Subcommittee worked on the Commodity Title and Crop Insurance, finalizing Subcommittee action on the Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee. The Subcommittee opted to extend the current commodity programs as written under the 2002 Farm Bill instead of working from the commodity proposal released last week.
Last week, the Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee worked on the Forestry and Nutrition Titles. The Forestry Title was approved without amendments. The Title amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (CFAA) and requires USDA to focus on three priorities: Conserving and managing working forest landscapes; protecting forests from threats to forest health; and enhancing public benefits from private forests. The proposal would also add new state-wide assessment of forest resource conditions for a state to be eligible for CFAA funds. The Healthy Forest Reserve Program is extended until 2012.
5. Energy Bill Expected this Week
Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) says this is the week to finalize a comprehensive energy package. The Senate has been divided on several key provisions including renewable energy, automobile fuel economy standards and coal to liquid provisions. While NACD has not taken an active role in the debate, the association has expressed concerns regarding the possible impacts increases in renewable fuel production could have on our natural resources if proper standards are not in place. NACD’s long standing position has been to support the expansion of renewable energy but with the same protections that the production of our food and fiber have now. NACD does not want to see the investments land owners and tax payers have made in strong conservations policies and programs be sacrificed for other important gains. NACD has explained in communications with Senate leadership “there is a way to have both….good conservation and more renewable energy.” NACD is also very interested in the direction of the energy package since Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Harkin (D-IA) has indicated there may be savings from the bill that could be used to offset new spending in the farm bill. The Senate has provided the possibility of additional funds for farm bill funding if suitable offsets are agreed to.
6. Northern Plains Leaders Address Local Issues
Sixty state leaders from the Northern Plains Region gathered in Bozeman, Mont. last week for networking opportunities and discussions on current and emerging issues. Members had the opportunity to visit with NACD Treasurer John Redding, as well as leaders from the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Canon Envirothon, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Student Conservation Association.
Some of the issues and programs discussed were the Farm Bill, Missouri River initiatives, alternative energy, fire recovery and marketing to external audiences. Participants were able to visit the Milesnick Ranch, where they learned how this working cattle ranch and farm is also able to offer high quality fishing opportunities in their creeks. Mike Wendland was recognized for his exceptional commitment and leadership as Region Chair. Vice Chair Lynn Denke will serve the remainder of the term as Chair.
7. 2007 Legislative Conference - Have you registered?
NACD’s 2007 Legislative Conference is just around the corner. The conference features an agenda packed with high-level speakers, training sessions, tours for you and your family, a Congressional reception and networking opportunities.
The hotel block and tours are filling up. Be sure to make your reservations today to guarantee your room or spot! Hotel reservations must be made before June 27 to obtain the group rate. Pre-registration is open until July 10, 2007.
8. NACD Launches 509 Capitol Court Campaign
NACD recently launched a major campaign to raise funds to provide needed repairs and renovations to the headquarters building located at 509 Capitol Court, NE in Washington, D.C. The President’s Association helped purchase the property 20 years ago and it serves as the national headquarters for NACD. Since its purchase, little work has been done to help maintain and upgrade the building. While it is in relatively good condition, there are improvements that are needed to ensure it remains a safe, energy-efficient and functioning work space for NACD staff.
Former NACD President Clarence Durbin is serving as Honorary Chair of the 509 Capitol Court Campaign and has recently sent a letter to state presidents and other leaders regarding this effort. Mr. Durbin, who was president of NACD when the building was purchased in 1987, believes it is important to protect the investment in the property and encourages all districts to play a role in this project.
The President’s Association generously provided the seed money to hire an architect to develop the plans for the activities, and the conservation districts in Mississippi raised over $3,000.00 in a challenge to other districts around the country.
NACD will hold an Open House during the upcoming Legislative Conference, allowing attendees to see first-hand the needs of the building. Feel free to contact Krysta Harden or John Redding regarding ways you or your district can help with this worthwhile campaign.
9. Districts Win in Texas Liability Suit
Texas Governor Rick Perry recently signed legislation into law that protects soil and water conservation district officials from personal liability in suits brought against them or the districts for execution of their official duties. The bill also limits damages against districts. District directors learned early last spring that they were open to personal judgments for official actions so they quickly started to work with the state legislature to correct this situation. The bill quickly passed the Senate and passed the House on the Local and Consent Calendar without a single objection. Support for soil and water conservation in Texas is strong. District officials worked hard calling on State Senators and Representatives many times in the last few weeks of session to ensure easy passage. This new law will allow district directors to continue to serve and make decisions that are best for conservation in Texas.
10. NACD Executive Director's Conference around the Corner
The New York Association of Conservation Districts will host the 5th Annual NACD Executive Directors’ Conference August 2-4 in Ithaca, New York. Every year, the Executive Directors gather for a time of valuable networking, workshops/training sessions and conservation-related tours. Agenda items include Fundraising and Grant Opportunities, Financial Management, Coalition Building, Marketing and Communications for Associations and a Farm Bill Update. Four guest speakers have been invited to join the conference as well.
Please send in your registrations by June 30 to make sure you get in on all the fun!
11. CTIC Hosts Workshop on Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico
Today is a critical time for agriculture's voice to be heard in the discussions about the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The Conservation Technology Information Center will host a workshop regarding agriculture's role in preventing hypoxia on July 12 and 13 in Springfield, Ill. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies will present relevant sections from the preliminary draft report and provide the latest information about the hypoxic zone. The audience will be invited to participate in discussions and provide feedback to EPA about the report on its evaluation of the current state of the hypoxic zone and its recommendations for management and control options in the Mississippi River Basin. In addition, representatives from the agriculture industry will deliver presentations about technology, products and services that can help producers improve on-farm nutrient efficiency. The workshop is free of charge but registration is required. For more information, go to http://www.conservationinformation.org/?action=events_gomwrkshpag or contact CTIC at (765) 494-9555 or scanlon@conservationinformation.org.