Progress on Farm Bill signals positive steps for clean water, healthy rivers

American Rivers applauds latest legislative updates from House and Senate

May 3, 2024

Washington – This week, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the House Committee on Agriculture released summaries and outlines of their respective farm bills. Both bills highlight reform opportunities containing more than 100 bipartisan provisions that would enhance locally led, incentive-based, voluntary conservation programs across the country.

A public draft of the House legislation is expected before the House Ag Committee’s markup of the new farm bill, scheduled for May 23rd. The Senate path is more uncertain, but progress is being made.

The following is a statement from Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers:
“We welcome this exciting development and are eager to see both legislative outlines on the table. American Rivers applauds the House and Senate Agriculture committees’ step forward to enact a Farm Bill this year. The urgency is great, as communities depend on clean water and healthy rivers, while farmers are experiencing higher input costs to stay in business and are looking for new conservation tools. These timely proposals recognize that farmers on the frontlines need greater access to voluntary conservation programs, improved data and research capabilities, and technical assistance to improve river health.

While we wait for legislative text and Congressional Budget Office scores, we are excited about this step forward. We urge the committees to move forward with markups this month and encourage everyone to bring their best ideas forward. American Rivers remains ready to work with Congress in both chambers and across the aisle to create a pathway for bipartisan solutions in a final package that will make a meaningful difference for rivers and people.”