TOP HEADLINES
Rogers County farmers, ranchers back SQ 777:
Meanwhile, farmers and ranchers say liberal groups are trying to change life in rural Oklahoma with an agenda that includes an end to ranching. Trent Kissee, a rancher in Rogers County, said abuses can take place, but the vast majority of agricultural operations work to take the best possible care of the land and their livestock [KTUL].
Senate clears water projects bill, advances historic Oklahoma agreement:
The Senate easily approved a water projects bill on Thursday that promises $10 billion for flood control, navigation, safe drinking water and other needs, while also advancing a historic Oklahoma water agreement [NewsOK].
STATE
Rotarians hear pitch in support of SQ 777:
An Oklahoma Farm Bureau representative spoke Thursday in support of a controversial state question that would grant constitutional protections to farming and ranching practices and technology and Oklahomans engaged in those occupation [Muskogee Phoenix].
Former attorney general voices opposition to SQ 777:
However, Tom Buchanan, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, said the current regulations on water quality and puppy mills will continue after the passage of this state question. “The water concern is truly fear-mongering by the opposition, that is not a reality and will not be impacted by right to farm,” Buchanan said [KOCO].
Oil downturn continues to slow Oklahoma’s economy:
Low oil prices and the oil industry slowdown continue to create financial challenges in Oklahoma and nine other oil-dependent states, according to a report released Wednesday by Moody’s Investors Service [NewsOK].
FEDERAL
WRDA bill clears Senate with provision easing on-farm fuel storage:
The Senate voted 95-3 today to approve a bill that would finance waterway improvement projects in 30 states and improve drinking water delivery systems. The bill also includes a provision exempting some farmers with aboveground fuel storage tanks from EPA requirements to prepare spill control plans [Agri-Pulse].
Senate passes water bill with Flint aid:
Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved, in a 95-3 vote, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to boost U.S. ports, waterways and clean water infrastructure. The amended measure authorizes dozens of water-related infrastructure projects and contains $220 million in direct funding to address drinking water crises in communities like Flint [The Hill].
Pork Producers are optimistic on lame duck TPP vote:
The National Pork Producers Council is confident that Congress will brush away pervasive anti-trade sentiments in this election year and approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership in a lame duck vote before a new president takes office [Agri-Pulse].
