Agricultural Water Quality Policy Oversight Act of 1999
Latest action (5 Aug 1999): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 2793, the Agricultural Water Quality Policy Oversight Act of 1999, would designate the Department of Agriculture as the lead federal agency on conservation and environmental policy related to agriculture, including water quality research, monitoring, and technical assistance. It would create an Interagency Agricultural Water Quality Policy Working Group, chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and including officials from Interior, the Army, Commerce, and the EPA, with authority to review and approve new federal water quality policies affecting agricultural and rural lands, and to report findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months. It also directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee of industry, academic, and government representatives to advise on agriculture-related water quality issues, sets confidentiality protections for data and conservation plans that farmers and landowners share with USDA, and updates provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including renaming the Soil Conservation Service and authorizing appropriations for related programs through fiscal year 2010.
The bill would primarily affect farmers, ranchers, and landowners who work with USDA on conservation programs, as well as federal agencies involved in water quality regulation. Supporters intended it to ensure that agriculture-related water regulations are based on scientifically validated data, to reduce paperwork burdens on producers, and to protect the privacy of personal and site-specific data submitted to USDA.
The bill was introduced on August 5, 1999, by Rep. Charles Stenholm and referred to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Agriculture. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 106th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Agricultural Water Quality Policy Oversight Act of 1999 - Establishes in the executive branch the Interagency Water Quality Policy Working Group, to be chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Group to conduct an analysis of national water quality policy, including consideration of Federal, State, local, and tribal laws. Subjects all new Federal water policy affecting agricultural and rural lands to Group approval. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a related advisory committee, which shall consider: (1) the oversight and coordinating role of the Department of Agriculture; (2) mechanisms to ensure the use of sound science in policy development; (3) the financial considerations of farmers and ranchers; and (4) priority watersheds. (Sec. 5) Directs te Secretary to ensure: (1) cooperation between the Department and other Federal entities; and (2) oversight of research results. (Sec. 6) Provides for personal data confidentiality. (Sec. 7) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to certain contracts for nonpoint source water pollution control management to: (1) replace the Soil Conservation Service with the Natural Resources Conservation Service as a coordinating entity; (2) reopen contract authority; and (3) authorize appropriations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2793 do?
- H.R. 2793, the Agricultural Water Quality Policy Oversight Act of 1999, would designate the Department of Agriculture as the lead federal agency on conservation and environmental policy related to agriculture, including water quality research, monitoring, and technical assistance. It would create an Interagency Agricultural Water Quality Policy Working Group, chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and including officials from Interior, the Army, Commerce, and the EPA, with authority to review and approve new federal water quality policies affecting agricultural and rural lands, and to report findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months. It also directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee of industry, academic, and government representatives to advise on agriculture-related water quality issues, sets confidentiality protections for data and conservation plans that farmers and landowners share with USDA, and updates provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including renaming the Soil Conservation Service and authorizing appropriations for related programs through fiscal year 2010. The bill would primarily affect farmers, ranchers, and landowners who work with USDA on conservation programs, as well as federal agencies involved in water quality regulation. Supporters intended it to ensure that agriculture-related water regulations are based on scientifically validated data, to reduce paperwork burdens on producers, and to protect the privacy of personal and site-specific data submitted to USDA. The bill was introduced on August 5, 1999, by Rep. Charles Stenholm and referred to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Agriculture. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 106th Congress.
- Has H.R. 2793 become law?
- Not yet. As of 5 Aug 1999, H.R. 2793 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2793?
- H.R. 2793 was sponsored by Rep. Charles “Charlie” Stenholm [D-TX17, 1979-2004] (Democrat-TX), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2793?
- Introduced (5 Aug 1999).
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