Farmers are disappointed with Biden Administration revisions to water regulation rules
On Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States.” According to original reporting by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the amendments conform with the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Sackett v. EPA. The agencies had to amend their rule to conform to the U.S. Supreme Court decision while still following the law and implementing the Clean Water Act, which provides essential protections that safeguard the nation’s waters from pollution and degradation. The final action is intended to finally provide the clarity needed to advance these goals while moving forward with infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities. Specifically, the amendments include: · Eliminates “interstate wetlands” from the list of jurisdictional waters. · Limits jurisdictional tributaries to features “that are relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water.” · Redefines “adjacent” as “having a continuous surface connection.” · The rule wholly removes the significant nexus test from consideration when identifying tributaries and other waters as federally protected. · It also revises the adjacency test when identifying federally jurisdictional wetlands. · It clarifies that interstate wetlands do not fall within the interstate waters category and clarifies the types of features that can be considered under the “additional waters” category. It is important to note that this amendment does not affect any other aspects of the 2023 rule, including agricultural exclusions. In the Sackett decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a [Joe] Biden rewrite of the waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS) that would have given the federal government strict oversight over every creek, tributary, pond, or drainage ditch in the country. The Alabama Farmers Federation is still opposed to the Biden Administration’s rewrite. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker said the revisions, while technically in line with a May Supreme Court ruling, are discouraging. “It’s disappointing to see the EPA again hamper farmers’ rights to manage water on their land,” said Walker, who leads national affairs for Alabama’s largest general farm organization. “We have been fighting for clear, concise rules since the 2015 WOTUS rule was released. This is a small step in the right direction, but EPA must make more changes to roll back regulatory overreach.” EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers made the revisions without public notice and comments in response to the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court ruling. The rule will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. The Sackett case concerned two Idaho landowners, Michael and Chantell Sackett, who contended wetlands on their property were not “adjacent” under the Clean Water Act. Zippy Duvall is the President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “EPA had a golden opportunity to write a Waters of the U.S. Rule that’s fair to farmers and stands the test of time but instead chose to continue government overreach and revise only a small slice of the rule that was rejected by the Supreme Court,” said Duvall, a farmer from Georgia. “We’re pleased the vague and confusing ‘significant nexus’ test has been eliminated as the Supreme Court dictated. But EPA has ignored other clear concerns raised by the justices, 26 states, and farmers across the country about the rule’s failure to respect private property rights and the Clean Water Act. Farmers and ranchers share the goal of protecting the resources they’re entrusted with. They deserve a rule that respects farmers as partners in that effort.” The current WOTUS dispute has now spanned three presidential administrations, beginning with President Barack Obama. This will potentially have had enormous economic impact for farmers, ranchers, developers, and even many residential communities. Anyone who interacts with water in the country. The Obama administration originally rewrote the existing rule, that applied to only navigable bodies of water. The Trump Administration overturned the Obama Administration rule change. Biden then reversed the Trump rule and reinstated the Obama rule. “The Biden Administration in two years has racked up more regulations than the Obama Administration did in eight years,” U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said of the Biden rule earlier in the year before the Supreme Court ruling. “They’re continuing their red tape regime with yet another reckless rulemaking decision that would prioritize their leftwing political agenda at the expense of hardworking Americans. This type of job-killing overregulation would strangle Alabama farmers, cattlemen, manufacturers, energy producers, builders, landowners, and small businesses.” “Alabamians have tended to our own land, waterways, and resources for generations, and we remain best positioned to preserve and utilize them for generations to come,” Britt said. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Marion Military Institute to receive $34 million boost from federal government
Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Perry County will get $34 million from the federal government to build a math and science building. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) praised the disbursement of the $34 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology to MMI to construct a Math and Science Building on its Perry County campus. The new classroom space will enable MMI to expand its course offerings in computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology. This investment will also centralize all of MMI’s STEM classes and laboratories in a single state-of-the-art facility. “Every Alabamian deserves the opportunity to live their American Dream, regardless of their zip code,” said Senator Britt. “Turning this dream into a reality starts with ensuring that each young person across our great state has access to a high-quality education. This targeted, strategic federal investment will not only provide a new facility for Marion Military Institute but will also allow the school to offer more courses to its students and better prepare them for the demands of a military or civilian career as they live out the institution’s mission of service.” Colonel David J. Mollohan, USMC (Ret.), is the President of MMI. “We are excited at the prospect of this new building,” said Colonel Mollahan. “It will provide us the classroom and lab space and capabilities to expand course offerings in STEM. This will allow MMI to serve as both a leadership and STEM center of excellence.” Former Senator Richard Shelby initially secured the funding for MMI. Earlier this year, Senator Britt met with Colonel Mollahan and MMI leaders and received an update on the campus and MMI’s goals for the future. MMI is a member of the Alabama Community College System. It is one of only four military junior colleges in the United States that can commission students as officers in the U.S. Army after two years of study. It is also home to one of the nation’s top Service Academy Programs, with more than 600 MMI cadets receiving Academy appointments in the last seven years. The school counts more than 216 generals and admirals among its alums. MMI has an annual statewide economic impact of $25 million and supports 394 direct and indirect jobs. MMI was founded in 1842 and is the nation’s oldest military junior college. The institution uses an immersive military environment and a focus on the intellectual, leadership, character, and physical development of a student to prepare them for a military or civilian career while living by the school’s motto of “Truth, Honor, Service.” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), in conjunction with the offices of Sen. Britt and the Alabama delegation, recently concluded the first-ever U.S. Service Academy information session tour with a stop at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika. “Our national security depends on strong leaders in the next generation who are willing to defend America at home and abroad,” said Sen. Tuberville. “It is encouraging to see so many students across our great state who are interested in answering this call to serve. The high attendance at each of our information sessions gives me hope for the future of our national defense and security. Nominating students for appointments to a U.S. Service Academy is one of my favorite things about being a senator, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming nominations for the Class of 2028.” Many who get service academy appointments started their higher education at MMI. Many high school seniors who fail to get service academy appointments will instead go on to MMI and transfer to a service academy after their first or second year. At one time, MMI also had a high school, but that was discontinued when MMI joined the Alabama Community College System. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Focus on America to hold rally in Huntsville September 17
The conservative group, Focus on America, announced they are holding a “Patriots Unite” event in Huntsville on September 17. This all-day event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run to 5:00 p.m. Sponsors say that the event “will serve as a rallying point for individuals who believe in safeguarding their liberties and taking actionable steps to protect their families’ futures.” This event will take place at The Jackson Center in Huntsville. There are a host of presenters scheduled for this event: · James O’Keefe, renowned investigative journalist and founder of Project Veritas and O’Keefe Media Group, will be the keynote speaker. The event will feature an exclusive ticketed meet and greet with speakers, including O’Keefe, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. · Dr. Peter McCullough will provide critical insights into COVID treatments. · Department of Defense whistleblower Lt. Col. Theresa Long, MD. · Dr. James Thorp will present data regarding the safety of vaccines for expectant mothers. · Whistleblower embalmer, Richard Hirschman, will share his claims. · FBI Whistleblower Stephen Friend will present his evidence for the weaponization of the FBI. · Prof. David Clements will dissect data surrounding election processes. · Clay Parikh, a National Election Security expert. · Tennessee Senator Mark Pody will speak on constitutional liberties. · Valerie Borek from Stand for Health Freedom will speak on the implications of WHO regulations. · Epidemiologist and former Lt. Mark Bashaw will present his perspective on COVID-19. · Lt. Col. David “T-Bone” Trombley (a former fighter pilot who triumphed over cancer) will speak, · Dr. David Williams will cover the “mystery” behind COVID therapies. · Dr. David Calderwood will have an in-depth analysis of COVID-19 vaccine data. · Mike Parsons will address concerns about indoctrination in schools. · Pfizer whistleblower Debbie Bernal will reveal insider truths. · MK Ultra Survivor Cathy O’Brien will share revelations regarding child trafficking/mind control. · Dr. John Witcher will speak on government overreach and tyrannical encroachment of medical freedoms. · Dr. Diane Counce will speak on the neurological effects of COVID and its vaccines. Rebecca Rogers is the Director of Focus on America. “This is a pivotal moment for our nation,” Rogers said. “The Patriots Unite and Push Event will equip attendees with actionable knowledge, emboldening them to safeguard their liberties and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Greene County has Alabama’s highest property taxes
According to statistics from the Department of Revenue, Greene County in the Black Belt has Alabama’s highest property tax rates. Municipalities, school districts, and counties all can levy ad valorem taxes, expressed in mills, with one mill equaling $1 per each $1,000 of assessed value. In September 2022 rankings, the Tax Foundation ranked Alabama 49th among the states for its property taxes as a percentage of the home’s value. Hawaii is No. 50. The states with the highest effective rates were New Jersey, Illinois, and New Hampshire. Greene County hits taxpayers with a charge of 27 mills for the county alone. Those living in Eutaw, the county seat, would have to pay 11 mills for the county school district and 17.5 mills for the city itself, leaving a resident paying a total of 55.5 mills. For a house with an assessed value of $200,000, that would add up to more than $1,100 per year in property taxes. The lowest county levies are in Coosa and Shelby counties at 7.5 mills, followed by Elmore County at 8.5 mills and Baldwin, Cullman, and Talladega counties at 9.5 mills apiece. The next highest is Perry County at 25.5 mills, followed by Lowndes County (23.5 mills), Chilton County (22.5 mills), and Chambers (22.3 mills). Among the state’s most populated counties, Mobile is the highest at 20.5 mills. Neighboring Baldwin across Mobile Bay hits property owners with a rate of 9.5 mills. Madison County’s (Huntsville) rates are dependent on whether a property owner resides outside a municipality (14 mills) or inside (11 mills). Lee (Auburn and Opelika) and Jefferson (Birmingham) counties both charge a rate of 13.5 mills. Montgomery County has a similar setup, with those outside of a municipality paying 12.5 mills and those inside city limits paying 7.5 mills. Tuscaloosa County charges a rate of 10.5 mills. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Alabama Resiliency Council meets for first time
On Wednesday, the Alabama Resiliency Council met for the first time. The Council was joined at its inaugural meeting by Governor Kay Ivey. “Today, I kicked off the inaugural meeting of the Alabama Resilience Council,” Gov. Ivey said on Twitter. “I established this council to help us better prepare for when disaster strikes so we can preserve lives, protect jobs, and ensure our state’s future remains bright.” As the Council met, our neighbors to the west in Louisiana are fighting wildfires due to a historic drought, and Hurricane Idalia is wreaking havoc on our neighbors to our east, Florida and Georgia. According to the Council’s website, in the last 40 years, more than 1,100 Alabamians have died in disasters. In the last 20 years, Alabama has spent at least half a billion dollars simply to match FEMA funds, and in the last 20 years, Alabamians themselves have spent tens of billions on property damages and losses. Alabama has led the nation in tornado deaths since 1948, when we first started keeping accurate records. The Alabama Resilience Council was created by Gov. Ivey when she signed Executive Order 736. This action is a key part of the Ivey Administration’s effort to make Alabama the most resilient state in the nation by protecting the lives, property, and economic well-being of Alabamians against possible hazards, both natural and man-made. The Alabama Resilience Council will work with local, state, federal, and private partners to help communities build stronger, live safer, and recover quicker. The work of the Council will be aimed at better preparing Alabama’s communities to withstand events that result in harmful societal impacts. The purpose of the Council is “to provide a forum for coordinating activities of state government and for facilitating interactions between state government and the private sector to proactively address harmful impacts on Alabama communities and infrastructure before they occur.” “Protecting the well-being of our people, both physically and financially, should be a top priority shared by leaders at all levels of government,” Ivey said. “Alabama is growing like never before, and it’s imperative we take necessary steps today to preserve our historic progress for tomorrow. By proactively reimagining our approach to events with harmful effects on Alabamians before they occur, we can save lives, protect jobs, and ensure our state’s future remains bright.” “This council presents a great opportunity to bring stakeholders together to explore partnerships and create synergy in our efforts in our state,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Smitherman. “It creates a platform to include key players that can significantly increase the strength and resilience of Alabama from harmful societal impacts.” “I want to thank Governor Ivey for her leadership and vision in creating this important Council,” said Alabama Commissioner of Insurance Mark Fowler. “We believe Alabama will set the national standard for preparedness and resilience. The Alabama Resilience Council will be a whole-of-government response, with the input of private industry, aimed at making that a reality.” The Alabama Resilience Council coordinates the numerous multi-disciplinary local, state, federal, and private partners in setting priorities, leveraging resources, communicating effectively, and delivering measurable results to shape a supple and vibrant future. Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Smitherman and Alabama Department of Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler will serve as co-chairs of the Council. Permanent Members of the council include: · The Alabama Emergency Management Agency · The Alabama Department of Insurance · The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries · The Alabama Department of Commerce · The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources · The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs · The Alabama Department of Environmental Management · The Alabama Department of Public Health · The Alabama Department of Transportation · The Alabama Forestry Commission · The Alabama Geological Survey · The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency · The Alabama National Guard · The Alabama Office of Information Technology Sixteen other local, state, federal, and private partners will be invited to appoint a representative to the Council. Gov. Ivey has sent two Alabama National Guard Black Hawk helicopters and a Chinook to help the Governor of Louisiana combat the wildfires there. The Governor’s office is reportedly consulting with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on how Alabama might be of assistance to the people of Florida. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mitch McConnell freezes during news conference for second time this summer
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., raised fresh concerns Wednesday when he froze during a news conference, the second time he has done so this summer. McConnell, 81, appeared to struggle to hear a question from a reporter about running for reelection during a news conference in Covington, Kentucky. After the question was repeated, McConnell gave a small chuckle and then froze, looking straight ahead. An aide then stepped in and repeated the question loudly in McConnell’s ear. McConnell continued to stare ahead. The aide then told the gathering of reporters they would need a minute. After a pause, McConnell took another question about Kentucky’s attorney general, Daniel Cameron, a Republican who is running for governor. McConnell said he thought the governor’s race would be close but spoke quietly through the response before being led away from the cameras. It was the second such incident this summer. On July 26, in the middle of his remarks to the media, McConnell stared ahead and stopped talking. After an awkward pause, fellow lawmakers ushered him to his office. After that incident, McConnell returned to answer questions, telling reporters he was “fine.” McConnell suffered a fall and ensuing concussion and broken rib earlier this year. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
