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WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2014 – The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman:

“The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy today called on the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw its proposed Waters of the U.S. Rule. They did so for a number of reasons we have stated before.

“The SBA’s frankness may surprise some, but it does not surprise us. The EPA has been heedless and cavalier in its disregard for the American farmers who would be most affected by this unworkable proposal.

“We agree with SBA Advocacy that EPA failed in its obligation to consult with small business owners – in our case, family farms – that would be most seriously impacted by the rule.

“We agree that the EPA had an obligation to conduct a Small Business Advocacy Panel before releasing the rule for comment, and we agree that the rule should be withdrawn as a result.

“Once again, we say it: It’s time to ditch this rule.”