WV Farm Bureau Magazine May 2014 | Page 5

Something to Think About Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs Last month I attended several “meet the candidate” events and continue to be amazed, and thankful, at the number of individuals – both incumbents and newcomers – who have a burning desire to make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens. For the winners the journey entails a 24-7, 365 day per year commitment to public service in a political atmosphere that can be quite volatile at times. When true public servants – driven by the people and not self – are elected, the ultimate winners will be all West Virginians. With the Primary Election behind us, both major political parties and their candidates are pushing forward with hopes of victory in the fall. It is more important than ever for Farm Bureau members to study the issues and candidates on all levels – local, state and national – so you can make informed decisions on November 4 (or before if you take advantage of the early voting period running from Wednesday, October 22 through Saturday, November 1). Our Farm PAC will be meeting in the future to review candidates and announce endorsements for the General Election. Farm Bureau is one of 60+ trade associations and businesses that comprise the West Virginia Business and Industry Council (BIC). The key focus of the group is to enhance the business climate in our state. WVFB Executive Secretary Steve Butler and I recently participated in a BIC regional meeting at the Bridgeport Conference Center where the focus was on economic development and legislative excellence. We listened to economic updates from local and state business leaders, visited with friends from the business community, met with candidates for state office, and were treated to a most informative overview of the recent legislative session by Jason Pizatella (Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Tomblin) and Senators Sam Cann (D-Harrison), Roman Prezioso (D-Marion) and Bob Williams (D-Taylor). Senator Cann was honored at the meeting with BIC’s annual award for legislative excellence, showcasing a distinguished record of extensive public service spanning 20+ years. Discussions continue to take place regarding Senate Bill 373, which established the Water Resources Protection and Management Act and Aboveground Storage Tank Act. The bill requires the WV Department of Environmental Protection to propose rules for consideration during the 2015 Legislative Session regarding the implementation of the regulatory program addressed in the legislation. We commend DEP for soliciting input from all stakeholders in preparing their first draft of the rule. Farm Bureau leaders joined with WV Department of Agriculture staff on May 7 to review the legislation’s implications for agriculture and offer suggestions to DEP for rule development. Stakeholder suggestions were due by May 15. Around mid-July DEP plans to send their draft rule to stakeholders for review and further comment. This will be followed by a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss and debate the rule. Written comments may be directed to DEP at any time during the process. After processing the comments and making appropriate revisions, DEP plans to file the draft rule (as an emergency rule) with the Secretary of State no later than December, 2014 – stay tuned! By now most are likely aware of EPA’s latest attempt to do an end-run around Congress with their March 25 release of a proposed new rule that would greatly expand its regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act. The consequences could be devastating for much more than agriculture. For complete details go to our website (www.wvfarm.org) and scroll down the right side to STOP EPA – DITCH THE RULE! Until next time, KEEP SMILING FRIENDS, God bless you and your loved ones, and God bless America. West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5