DTN writer Todd Neeley reported today that, “The EPA pollution controls in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will stand as the U.S. Supreme Court Monday denied a review in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s legal challenge. A previous appeals court ruling in favor of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action in the watershed will stand.
“The decision allows EPA to continue requiring the seven states in the Chesapeake Bay to clamp down on nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into the watershed.”
Ag groups so far silent on #SCOTUS decision not to hear #Chesapeake TMDL case.
— Todd Neeley (@ToddNeeleyDTN) February 29, 2016
Mr. Neeley observed that, “It’s not known how the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia affected the chances of the Chesapeake Bay case being rejected for a hearing. It takes four justices to decide whether to accept a case. On Monday, however, the Supreme Court accepted no new cases for hearings.
“Agriculture groups made the case farmers operating in the Chesapeake Bay shoulder the brunt of responsibility in cutting nutrient runoff through expensive conservation efforts and other means, and that state governments have the primary authority to improve water quality.”