Proposed bill would aid voluntary environmental ag programs

WASHINGTON — As the harmful algae blooms in the Lake Erie Basin approach their seasonal peak, two members of Congress from opposing parties are revamping efforts to direct federal dollars to state-sponsored agricultural resource management initiatives they believe would help protect regional waterways.

On July 27, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, was joined by Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Howland, in introducing the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act of 2017. The act directs federal assistance to voluntary agricultural assurance programs, such as the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), throughout states in the Great Lakes region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture following its introduction....