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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Western States Water Council <br />Water Quality Committee <br /> <br />Washington, DC <br />March 28, 2006 <br /> <br />from people in the West in rural portions of states - - particularly being used for more urban uses. <br />It will continue to be a significant issue. <br /> <br />Cindy Padilla: To what extent is EPA involved in the Farm Bill or other such things. <br /> <br />Brent Fewell: We do. Not always directly, but indirectly. The Farm Bill is a great piece <br />of legislation. We are working closely with USDA on the Farm Bill. Possibly to target Farm <br />Bill subsidies to get a bigger bang for the buck. We are engaging. We will lend technical <br />support to the extent those responsible ask for our support. We try to maximize environmental <br />protection. <br /> <br />Stephen Bernath: Since the last Farm Bill was put together, there has been <br />communication that it could benefit water quality. But we see increased scrutiny on the 319 <br />program. <br /> <br />Brent Fewell: You make a good point. 319 program is a very good program for <br />addressing NPS. How do we affect local land use decisions? Farm Bill is one opportunity. I'm <br />encouraged about USDA's ways of encouraging new ways to get money. Secretary Johanns has <br />done a lot with water quality trading. Folks are asking the right questions, so hopefully we'll see <br />the right changes. <br /> <br />Robbi Savage: The original discussion at OMB in the 1980s was the same discussion we <br />are having now. Many of the folks at OMB back then are still at OMB now. The states will have <br />to fight for 319. <br /> <br />Brent Fewell: I would encourage you all to figure out ways that the states can have a big <br />role in local land use decisions. Engage in decision making. <br /> <br />Craig Bell: A few years ago there was litigation arising out of the state of Utah. Case was <br />settled. Are you aware of any other cases like this? <br /> <br />Brent Fewell: Restated question. I'm not aware. <br /> <br />Denise Keehner: Description of a somewhat similar case... Whether that may be <br />challenged, I don't know. <br /> <br />Section SI8 - Tribes as States Delegation <br /> <br />Brent Fewell: EPA takes this seriously. Challenge: The length of time it takes to process <br />T AS requests and applications. 26 are approved. 58 tribes have submitted. There are 20 <br /> <br />5 <br />