Category: Legislative Updates

Infrastructure Bill – Go or No Go?

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by LICA-National
While there is a reported agreement by a bipartisan group of senators to the framework of increased spending on core infrastructure programs, the political jockeying continues. Republicans question how the increased spending will be paid for – definitively not with any kind of gas tax increase – in addition to what commitments are being made to then consider a massive government funded bill that would not require bipartisan support. Progressive Democrats have concerns also about how the bill would be paid for – definitely not by increasing the corporate tax rate -- and argue that it doesn’t do enough for climate change and other social issues they want addressed.

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It’s Back…….Biden Administration to Review Water of the US (WOTUS) Rule

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by LICA-National
On June 9, 2021, EPA and the Department of the Army (the agencies) concluded their review of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule defining the term “waters of the United States” and announced their intention to initiate a new rulemaking process that restores the protections in place prior to the 2015 WOTUS implementation and develops a new rule to establish a durable definition of “waters of the United States.”

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USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Sign Up

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by LICA-National

USDA announced on Monday that it was setting a July 23 deadline for applying for the Conservation Reserve Program. Applications for the CRP Grasslands program will be open until Aug. 20.

The 30-year span is meant to ensure that these practices make a long-term difference in soil and water health.

Producers with CRP contracts must sign up for the program by Aug. 6.

Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan Fizzles Prior to July 4th Deadline

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by LICA-National
The one policy area where both sides agree investment – both public and private -- should be made is in infrastructure. President Biden offered a far reaching, comprehensive, ambitious proposal earlier this year only to have a slimmed down, less expensive Republican counteroffer. The good news within Washington is for the first time in years, serious bipartisan meetings were held to see if some kind of agreement could be reached. The bad news is when it comes to how to pay for increased investment, the ideological divide between the two parties rules the days and the infrastructure talks stall. It is expected that today will be the announced end to bipartisan infrastructure talks. It remains to be seen if the Biden Administration can rally support to move on or move away from one of his early stated priorities: significant comprehensive infrastructure investment. Stay tuned.

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Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Announced

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by LICA-National
Lucas Isakowitz, Projects Branch, NRCA, has reached out to National LICA and other interested parties to inform about applying to NRCA’s latest funding opportunity. CIG has been operating for nearly 20 years, providing over $300 million to cutting-edge innovations to address natural resource challenges on private lands. The program supports the development of innovative new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Eligible entities for CIG awards include State and local government entities, Tribal entities, non-profit organizations, private businesses, universities, and individuals. The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $300,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $2 million.

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“Turn-Key” Assistance for Conservation Drainage Practices Offered for Eligible Farmers in Select Minnesota Counties

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by LICA-National
Farmers in 41 southern Minnesota counties, who have well-functioning tile drainage systems on cropland, may be eligible for timely, “turn-key” assistance with the planning, design, and installation of conservation drainage practices. Conservation drainage practices include drainage water management, denitrifying bioreactors, and saturated buffers to manage tile water for increased crop yields, efficient use of nutrients, and improved water quality. The 41 select southern Minnesota counties are those south of the Mississippi River, west of the eastern Sterns County line to the South Dakota state line, but excluding the karst topography counties in southeastern Minnesota.

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