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TOP HEADLINES
Ag groups endorse repeal of death tax:
The American Farm Bureau Federation is among the farm organizations that endorse legislation in the House and Senate to repeal the federal estate tax [Wisconsin Ag Connection].
Farm groups want seat at the table for restructuring NAFTA:
There is a lot at stake for U.S. farmers and ranchers who are looking to protect the increased trade they enjoy with Mexico and Canada because of NAFTA, and ag groups want to have input in how the trade pact is renegotiated [Agri-Pulse].
REGULATORY
US Fish and Wildlife Service proceeds with regulatory action despite Trump directive:
In a move that some believe violates the spirit of President Donald Trump’s recent directive freezing all agency regulatory activity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that it will decline to extend a 90-day comment period to evaluate the status of the Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act [Tri-State Livestock News].
Trump admin orders EPA contract freeze and media blackout:
The prohibitions came to light Tuesday as the agency moved to delay implementation of at least 30 environmental rules finalized in the closing months of President Barack Obama’s term, a potential first step to seeking to kill the regulations [Tulsa World].
What Trump’s hiring freeze means (and doesn’t):
When President Donald Trump announced a hiring freeze on federal jobs on Monday—one of his first actions as president—conservatives cheered, and Democrats and federal workers reacted with horror. How big a deal is it? [Politico]
CONGRESS
Pruitt continues to wait for committee vote on EPA head job:
Four of Trump’s Cabinet picks have been confirmed by the Senate but after a week since his confirmation hearing, there’s still no word on Scott Pruitt [News On 6].
Dems unveil infrastructure plan, reach out to Trump:
The plan would provide billions of dollars in funding for road, bridge and sewer improvements, expanded broadband internet access in rural areas, railroad repair, public school construction and expanded port and waterway infrastructure [The Hill].
ENERGY
Rebuking Obama, Trump boosts Keystone XL, Dakota pipelines:
President Donald Trump moved swiftly Tuesday to advance the controversial Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines, signing executive actions to aggressively overhaul America’s energy policy and deal a sharp blow to Barack Obama’s legacy on climate change [AP].
Pipeline projects could boost oil through Cushing:
President Donald Trump’s executive order on Tuesday concerning controversial pipeline projects Keystone XL and North Dakota Access could send new supplies of oil into Cushing and throughout the region [The Oklahoman].
Understanding Donald Trump’s plans for oil drilling, federal lands and clean energy:
Donald Trump will push for the construction of Keystone XL and the Dakota Access Pipeline, but his overall blueprint for America’s energy supply is full of contradictions and outdated assertions [Newsweek].
MISCELLANEOUS
The apple that never browns wants to change your mind about genetically modified foods:
After years of development, protest and regulatory red tape, the first genetically modified, non-browning apples will soon go on sale in the United States [Washington Post].
