Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., introduced legislation today to stop the EPA from conducting aerial surveillance of farms across the country.  The EPA has conducted aerial surveillance of agricultural lands when enforcing the Clean Water Act. 

“Unemployment has been at or above 8% for 30 consecutive months.  Is conducting flyovers of family farms across the country really the best use of taxpayer money?” asked Capito.  “It’s getting to the point that I’ll have to file for a Clean Water Act permit if I want to turn the hose on in my backyard.  The EPA will take any opportunity to make it harder for farmers, energy operators, or any business that deals with the EPA, to operate.”

Capito reached out to the EPA last December about this issue, but unfortunately it has become clear that legislation is necessary in order to stop this practice.

Attached is a local article that appeared in the Pendelton Times about a specific incident of the EPA conducing aerial surveillance of farms.  It was reported that the EPA official who visited the family farm chosen for inspection reiterated that thejob of the EPA leaves no room for economic consideration. 

Attachments

1. Pendleton Times article
2. Capito letter to EPA
3. EPA reply to Capito (confirming that the EPA does indeed conduct aerial surveillance)