Water Rights/Use Articles

Farm Bureau applauds passage of essential water rights bill

7/30/2020 2:17:36 PM

MFBF applauds the passage of the Montana Water Rights Protection Act out of the Committee on Indian Affairs. The legislation was introduced by Senator Steve Daines and co-sponsored by Senator Jon Tester.

Make an impact, make it personal

3/18/2020 11:00:00 AM

We may never know when a personal comment might actually change the direction of a law or policy.

Federal legislation introduced to ratify CSKT Water Compact

12/16/2019 12:52:08 PM

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R – MT) has introduced federal legislation, cosponsored by U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D - MT), that ratifies the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water compact.

Farm Bureau cheers repeal of onerous water rule

9/13/2019 8:44:00 AM

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said WOTUS vastly and unclearly expanded the definition of “Waters of the United States” beyond the limits imposed by Congress and affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Federal Court sends illegal water rule back to EPA

8/23/2019 10:31:37 AM

A federal court says the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule is unlawful under the Clean Water Act because of its “vast expansion of jurisdiction over waters and land traditionally within the states’ regulatory authority.”

Farm Bureau applauds state land water bill becoming Montana law

5/22/2019 12:12:23 PM

HB 286 clarifies that the state of Montana may only obtain an ownership interest in a water right or ground water development works if a court determines the state is an owner of that water right or if the state is in possession of a deed transferring ownership of the water right.

Farm Bureau applauds signing of new proposed Clean Water Rule

12/11/2018 2:59:46 PM

“It’s fantastic to see common sense has returned to Washington, D.C. and especially to the EPA. This new rule will provide a clear direction for farmers and communities to follow” said McPherson, a diversified farmer from Stevensville.

WOTUS ruling sets dangerous precedent; time to Ditch the Rule

8/17/2018 9:51:00 AM

South Carolina District Court’s injunction of the Waters of the United States ruling further emphasizes the importance of passing legislation that once and for all drives a stake in the 2015 rule and sends EPA back to the table to draft a workable solution.

Farm Bureau Files Brief Supporting Water Rule Opponents

6/11/2018 2:52:23 PM

The American Farm Bureau Federation has filed a brief in support of 13 states—including Montana— challenging the EPA’s 2015 “Waters of the United States” rule before a federal district court in North Dakota.

Issue Update: Exempt Wells...Try, Try Again

2/16/2018 3:00:00 AM

The debate regarding effective regulation of exempt wells in Montana continues. MFBF is at the table representing agriculture and working toward collaborative solutions.