Agricultural Law Weekly Review – Week Ending May 21, 2021

Organic Agriculture: USDA AMS Reopens Comment Period on Origin of Livestock Rule Under National Organic Program 🌾
On May 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) posted in the Federal Register a proposed rule titled, “National Organic Program; Origin of Livestock; Reopening of Comment Period” (86 FR 25961).  The posting re-opens the comment period for the April 2015 proposed rule requiring that organic milk products be derived from animals under “continuous organic management from the last third of gestation onward.”  However, newly certified organic dairy producers may transition livestock into organic production if the animal has been “under continuous organic management” for at least 12 months.  According to the proposed rule, once an animal has been transitioned, it is treated as one that was under continuous organic management from the last third of gestation onward, and the rule does not distinguish between the two.  AMS states that it is seeking comments regarding the prohibition of transitioned animals in organic operations and whether the term “operation” or “producer” should be used to describe the regulated entity.  The 60-day comment period will be open until July 12, 2021. 

Environmental Policy: OIG Report Finds Decreased EPA Enforcement Due to Lack of Funding
On May 13, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of the Inspector General issued a report finding that, despite overall domestic economic growth in EPA-regulated sectors between 2006 and 2018, EPA compliance monitoring and enforcement actions decreased due to diminished funding and resources.  According to the report, EPA strategically focused the agency’s restricted resources on the “most serious cases” and deferred to state-level agencies and programs for compliance and enforcement assistance.  The report highlights that the “decline in the EPA’s enforcement activities may expose the public and the environment to undetected harmful pollutants.” 

Water Quality: Michigan Dairy Farm Penalized for NPDES Violations, Enters into Consent Decree with EPA
On May 10, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan issued a decision affirming a consent decree between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Wayland, Michigan dairy farm, Walnutdale Family Farms, LLC.  United States v. Walnutdale Family Farms, LLC, No. 1:20-cv-00397.  According to the complaint, the 1,460-head dairy operation violated its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit on multiple occasions between 2013 and 2017, also violating a 2004 consent decree.  Walnutdale’s violations include improper discharges, deficient maintenance and operation of waste storage facilities, failing to report discharges, failing to abide by its NPDES land application requirements, and incomplete recordkeeping.  Under the consent decree, Walnutdale will pay a civil penalty of $33,750 and assess and remedy its storage facilities and depth markers, remove woody vegetation from the storage site, and implement proper land application and reporting procedures.  The company also faces potential monetary penalties for failing to timely implement the remedial measures.  

Pesticides/Herbicides: Court Approves $39.5 Million Roundup Settlement, Awards Cy Pres Payment
On May 13, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri entered an order approving a $39.5 million class settlement against Bayer AG/Monsanto for misleading labeling on the company’s glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup.  Jones v. Monsanto Company, No. 4:19-cv-00102.  While the label on Roundup products state that “glyphosate targets an enzyme found in plants but not in people or pets,” according to the order, the enzyme is “used by helpful bacteria in the digestive system of vertebrates.”  Under the class settlement, class members will receive 50% of the average retail price of the product, totaling $11.7–$13.3 million, while class counsel will receive 25% of the settlement fee, totaling $9.9 million.  The order states that as of the class plaintiffs’ February 25, 2021 motion for settlement approval, 240,000 valid claims had been filed, representing approximately 2–3% of the potential class, and more than 80% of the class members had “[seen] information about the settlement an average of more than two times each.”  Additionally, the agreement allocates the remaining $14.4 million as a cy pres award to the National Consumer Law Center, the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division, and the Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice at the University of California, Berkley School of Law.  

Organic Agriculture: Mexico Extends U.S. Organic Export LPO Compliance Deadline
On May 11, 2021, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that on May 7, 2021, Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) had extended the deadline for certification of U.S. organic exports under Mexico’s Organic Products Law (LPO) from June 26, 2021, until December 31, 2021, allowing export of USDA-certified organic products through the end of the year.  According to the announcement, Secretary Vilsack had directly requested the deadline extension from Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Victor Villalobos.  USDA states that it will continue providing updates as necessary and support U.S. organic producers as they convert to LPO compliance.  

Animal Disease Traceability: Federal Court Dismisses R-CALF RFID Suit
On May 14, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming issued a judgement in favor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) dismissing “all claims asserted against them” in a suit brought by the Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF) challenging the legality of APHIS’s plan to require radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for cattle in interstate commerce.  Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America v. United States Department of Agriculture, No. 1:19-cv-00205.  Previously, on May 13, 2021, the court also issued an order granting R-CALF’s motions for record completion but dismissing the organization’s complaint alleging USDA’s violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.  R-CALF’s October 2019 petition alleged that USDA’s issuance of an April 2019 factsheet outlining the agency’s plan to transition to RFID tags from metal tags for interstate cattle transport amounted to a violation of APHIS’s 2013 final rule (78 FR 2039) and constituted improper rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act.  However, after receiving public on the proposal, USDA has since abandoned the plan and removed the factsheet from its website.  See ALWR—week ending July 3, 2020, “Public Comment Solicited on RFID-Only Tags” and ALWR—week ending March 26, 2021, “USDA Abandons Previous RFID Rulemaking.“  In light of USDA’s actions, the court dismissed the suit.   

Biofuels: Tenth Circuit Vacates Prior Administration Small Refinery RFS Exemptions
On May 19, 2021, The US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit issued an order vacating U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) January  2021 small refinery exemptions (SRE) issued under the previous administration, and remanding the case back to the agency for further administrative proceedings consistent with the Tenth Circuit’s 2020 holding in Renewable Fuels Association v. EPA.  Sinclair Wyoming Refining Comp, et al v. EPA, et al, No. 21-09528.  The order acknowledged the agency’s concession that it did not accurately analyze the cause of the disproportionate economic hardship claimed by the refineries, noting that EPA’s motion to vacate was unopposed by the plaintiff refineries, and granted the vacatur.  For background, see ALWR—Week Ending May 7, 2021, “EPA Addresses Straggling Small Refinery Exemptions from Renewable Fuel Standards Obligations Granted by Prior Administration; Awaiting U.S. Supreme Disposition of Issue.”    

Agricultural Finance: USDA Announces Payments to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Under American Rescue Plan Act
On May 21, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) upcoming publication in the Federal Register of a notice of funding availability for socially disadvantaged borrowers with qualifying loans under the Farm Loan Programs and Farm Storage Facility Loan Program.  The funding is authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, section 1005, which funds and authorizes FSA to pay up to 120% of overdue loan balances of January 1, 2021, for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who are members of “a groups whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.”  USDA states that it expects to begin remitting payments in June and that it will publish another notice within 120 days regarding loans lacking collateral that have been reported to the Department of Treasury for collection.  

Center for Agricultural and Shale Law Programs & Resources: 

Podcast: Penn State Agricultural Law Podcast, listen to our latest weekly episode here. 

Webinar:  

Utility-Scale Solar Development – For Lawyers, Landowners & Others
An Online Legal Educational Symposium
Tuesday, June 15, 2021      12:00pm – 3:30pm
Thursday, June 17, 2021     12:00pm – 3:30pm 

This symposium is geared for both beginning and intermediate levels of knowledge about photovoltaic electrical generation for the grid and is designed in a progressive manner, each session building upon the knowledge gained in the last.  Upon completion, an attorney, landowner, government professional, educator or other interested attendee will have a well-rounded understanding of the legal facets of the proliferation of utility-scale solar  development project proposals in Pennsylvania, across the region, and throughout much of the United States. 

$179 – Registration Fee (6 hours of substantive Pennsylvania CLE Credits)
$99 – Registration Fee (without CLE credits) 

CLICK HERE for details, agenda, and registration 

Penn State News, Research & Resources: 

Observing Eco Farmers Could Guide Sustainable Information Technology Innovation (May 14, 2021). 

Discovery of Flowering Gene in Cacao May Lead to Accelerated Breeding Strategies (May 17, 2021). 

Other Agricultural Law/Policy Resources of Interest:  

Roger A. McGowen, Intergenerational Transfer of Family Businesses with Split-Dollar Life Insurance (May 16, 2021). 

Micah Brown, Lending for Livestock, Credit for Crops: Effect of Bankruptcy (May 18, 2021). 

Kristine A. Tidgren, Soybean Growers Injured by Dicamba Drift May Submit Claims through May 28 (May 17, 2021). 

Brigit Rollins, Ninth Circuit Upholds $25 Million Award to Plaintiff in Glyphosate Case (May 20, 2021). 

John M. Crespi and Kristine A. Tidgren, The First Legal Step for an Agricultural Carbon Market is in the Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021 (May 19, 2021). 

Kristine A. Tidgren, Iowa Legislature Sends Significant Tax Bill to the Governor (May 19, 2021). 

Megan Todd, Prevailing Wages and Practices—Maryland Agricultural Employment Surveys (May 18, 2021). 

Barry Ward, Ohio Corn, Soybean and Wheat Enterprise Budgets—Projected Returns for 2021 (May 19, 2021).  

Peggy Kirk Hall, Ohio Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to CAUV Table (May 20, 2021). 

Remarks of Ambassador Katherine Tai Opening the First USMCA Free Trade Commission (May 18, 2021) 

Trilateral Statement of the USMCA Free Trade Commission (May 18, 2021) 

Weekly Featured Graphic:  

Hoard’s Dairyman, Did CFAP payments help dairy farmers in 2020? (May 17, 2021) 

AGENCY PRESS RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL    

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Press Releases:    

Wolf Administration Improves Access To Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program, Encourages Enrollment (May 19, 2021).  

Department Of Agriculture Demonstrates Safe, Effective Trap For Spotted Lanternflies As Destructive Pest Hatch Escalates (May 21, 2021). 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Press Releases:    

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Leadership in Natural Resources and Conservation Areas (May 19, 2021).  

FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 19, 2021). 

USDA Releases 90-Day Progress Report on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (May 20, 2021). 

USDA Announces Assistance for Coastal Communities; Priority for National Scenic Areas Hit by Wildfire (May 20, 2021). 

In Historic Move, USDA to Begin Loan Payments to Socially Disadvantaged Borrowers under American Rescue Plan Act Section 1005 (May 21, 2021). 

USDA Agency Press Releases:    

USDA Extends the Comment Period on Supply Chains for the Production of Agricultural Commodities and Food Products, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 17, 2021).  

USDA Proposes Changes to Handling Regulations for Some Irish Potatoes Grown in Idaho, and Oregon, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 17, 2021). 

Pre-Solicitation Announcement for Section 32 Purchase of Frozen and Canned Apricot Products, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 18, 2021). 

Pre-Solicitation Announcement for Section 32 Purchase of Shelf Stable Peach Products, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 18, 2021). 

Pre-Solicitation Announcement for Section 32 Purchase of Nut Products, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 18, 2021). 

Pre-Solicitation Announcement for Section 32 Purchase of Dried Fruit Products, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 18, 2021). 

USDA Cites Kendall Frozen Fruits Inc. in California for PACA Violations, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 18, 2021). 

North Pacific Canners and Packers Inc., d/b/a NORPAC Foods Inc. in Oregon Satisfies Terms of Consent Decision and Order Involving Alleged PACA Violations, Agricultural Marketing Service (May 18, 2021). 

Piglets Pay the Price of Mom’s Heat Stress, Agricultural Research Service (May 18, 2021).  

APHIS Invites U.S. Stakeholders to Comment on NAPPO Standards and Other Documents, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (May 17, 2021). 

APHIS Seeks Comment on Draft Pest Risk Assessment for the Importation of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne) for planting from Spain, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (May 17, 2021). 

APHIS Adds Eau Claire and Richland Counties, Wisconsin to the Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) Quarantine Area, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (May 18, 2021). 

SCRA Workshop June 8-9, “Nuts and Bolts” of U.S. Biotechnology Regulations, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (May 19, 2021). 

APHIS Publishes Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Fresh Melon Fruit from Japan Into the United States, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (May 20, 2021). 

USDA Expands the Federal Quarantine Area for Asian Longhorned Beetle in South Carolina, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (May 21, 2021). 

Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, Limited Resource, and Female Farmers and Ranchers, Economic Research Service (May 20, 2021). 

USDA Announces Cooperative Agreements for Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction, Farm Service Agency (May 17, 2021). 

Constituent Update – Tips for Faster Label Approval Process, Food Safety and Inspection Service (May 21, 2021) 

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for China and Mexico, Foreign Agricultural Service (May 17, 2021). 

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for China, Foreign Agricultural Service (May 18, 2021). 

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for China and Mexico, Foreign Agricultural Service (May 19, 2021). 

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for China, Foreign Agricultural Service (May 20, 2021). 

NIFA Invests Over $2.3M for Small Business Innovation Research, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (May 18, 2021). 

NIFA Invests $14.5M in Economics, Markets, Trade, Environmental and Natural Resources, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (May 19, 2021). 

USDA to Invest $15 Million in the Future of Conservation Through Innovation Grants Program, National Resources Conservation Service (May 18, 2021). 

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE    

Pennsylvania Executive Agencies (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 51, No. 21—May 22, 2021):     

Conservation Commission 

51 Pa.B. 2921 Notice: “Action on Odor Management Plans for Concentrated Animal Operations and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Volunteers Complying with the Commonwealth’s Facility Odor Management Program.” 

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 

51 Pa.B. 2802 Notice: “Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council WebEx Meeting [May 26, 2021].” 

51 Pa.B. 2802 Notice: “Notice of Proposed Exchange of Property.” 

51 Pa.B. 2802 Notice, request for proposals: “Retention of Design Professional Firms.” 

51 Pa.B. 2817 Notice: “Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Committee WebEx Meeting [May 27, 2021].” 

Department of Environmental Protection  

51 Pa.B. 2817 Notice: “The Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law and the Federal Clean Water Act: 

Applications For (NPDES) Permits and (WQM) Permits Under the Clean Streams Law and Federal Clean Water Act.” 

51 Pa.B. 2881 Notice: “PA Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, and the Oil and Gas Act Public Notice of Settlement via Federal Consent Decree.” 

Susquehanna River Basin Commission 

51 Pa.B. 2922 Notice: “Grandfathering Registration Notice.” 

51 Pa.B. 2922 Notice: “Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water.” 

51 Pa.B. 2923 Notice: “Telephonic Commission Meeting.” 

Pennsylvania Legislature    

HB 110 “An Act amending . . . as the Hardwoods Development Council Act, further providing for Hardwoods Development Council.” Signed by the Governor, Act No. 14 (May 20, 2021). 

HB 1395 “An Act providing for property owner’s bill of rights statement.” Referred to Local Government [House] (May 17, 2021).  

SB 692 “An Act providing for erosion and sediment control requirements.” Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy [Senate] (May 19, 2021).  

SB 695 “An Act providing for regulation of the meat packing and food processing industry by creating facility health and safety committees in the workplace; establishing the industry workers’ rights coordinator within the Department of Labor and Industry; and providing for public health emergency protections for workers.” Referred to Labor and Industry [Senate] (May 19, 2021).  

HB 1394 “An Act providing for alternative energy portfolio standards.” Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy [House] (May 20, 2021). 

HB 1456 “An Act providing for the reopening of travel sites operated by the Department of Transportation [‘Rural Access to PennDOT Services Act’].” Referred to Transportation [House] (May 20, 2021). 

HB 1462 “An Act imposing a duty on municipalities to provide notification to property owners of changes to special flood hazard area maps of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.” Referred to Local Government [House] (May 21, 2021). 

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE    

Federal Executive Agencies (Federal Register  May 17–21, 2021):     

Agriculture Department   

86 FR 26892 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Notice of Request for Emergency Approval [Rural Business-Cooperative Service: Rural Development Cooperative Agreements]” (May 18, 2021).  

86 FR 27064 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comments Requested [Agricultural Marketing Service: Agritourism Directory]” (May 19, 2021). 

86 FR 27064 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Notice of Request for Emergency Extension [Rural Business-Cooperative Service: Rural Energy for America Program]” (May 19, 2021). 

86 FR 27065 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Rural Utilities Service: 7 CFR 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures—Electric]” (May 19, 2021). 

86 FR 27364 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Rural Housing Service: 7 CFR 1901-E, Civil Rights Compliance Requirements]” (May 20, 2021). 

Agricultural Marketing Service 

86 FR 26689 Notice—Comment Period: “Supply Chains for the Production of Agricultural Commodities and Food Products” (May 17, 2021).  

86 FR 27063 Notice: “Meat and Poultry Interstate Shipment and Inspection Readiness Program; Request for Emergency Approval of a New Information Collection” (May 19, 2021). 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service   

86 FR 27364 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Endangered Species Regulations and Forfeiture Procedures” (May 20, 2021). 

86 FR 27552 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Proposed Revision to Requirements for the Importation of Fresh Melon Fruit From Japan Into the United States” (May 21, 2021). 

Environmental Protection Agency  

86 FR 26672 Final Rule: “Trifludimoxazin; Pesticide Tolerances” (May 17, 2021). 

86 FR 27226 Final Rule: “Clean Water Act Methods Update Rule for the Analysis of Effluent” (May 19, 2021). 

86 FR 27593 Notice—Comment Period: “Pesticide Registration Review; Draft Human Health and/or Ecological Risk Assessments for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability” (May 21, 2021). 

Farm Credit Administration 

86 FR 27308 Proposed Rule—Comment Period: “Collateral Evaluation Requirements” (May 20, 2021).  

86 FR 27510 Rule, notification of effective date: “Title IV Conservators and Receivers” (May 21, 2021). 

Fish and Wildlife Service   

86 FR 27461 Notice—Comment Period: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts When Making Listing Decisions (PECE)” (May 20, 2021). 

86 FR 27462 Notice: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of 76 Species in California and Nevada” (May 20, 2021). 

86 FR 27645 Notice—Comment Period: “Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications” (May 21, 2021). 

Food and Nutrition Service  

86 FR 27556 Notice—Comment Period: “Child Nutrition Programs: Non-Competitive Technology Innovation Grant Funding” (May 21, 2021). 

Forest Service 

86 FR 26689 Notice—Comment Period: “Information Collection: Qualified Products Lists for Fire Chemicals for Wildland Fire Management” (May 17, 2021). 

Land Management Bureau 

86 FR 26939 Notice—Comment Period: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Color-of-Title Application” (May 18, 2021).  

86 FR 26938 Notice—Comment Period: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Onshore Geophysical Exploration” (May 18, 2021). 

86 FR 26935 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Realty Action: Modified Competitive Sale of Two Parcels of Public Land in Lincoln County, NV” (May 18, 2021). 

86 FR 27648 Notice: “Statewide Call for Nominations for Colorado Resource Advisory Councils” (May 21, 2021). 

86 FR 27648 Notice: “Filing of Plats of Survey: Oregon/Washington” (May 21, 2021). 

Rural Business-Cooperative Service 

86 FR 27365 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Reserved Funding for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021” (May 20, 2021).  

Small Business Administration  

86 FR 26769 Notice: “Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for the State of Oklahoma [Sever Winter Storms]” (May 17, 2021). 

86 FR 27498 Notice: “Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Hawaii [Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides]” (May 20, 2021). 

86 FR 27498 “Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of West Virginia [Severe Winter Storms]” (May 20, 2021). 

86 FR 27663 Notice: “Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Commonwealth of Kentucky [Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides].” (May 21, 2021). 

86 FR 27663 Notice: “Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Washington” (May 21, 2021). 

U.S. House Agriculture Committee    

H.R.3277 “To amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase protections for animals, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (May 17, 2021).  

H.Res.180 “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that it is the duty of the Federal Government to dramatically expand and strengthen the care economy.” Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties (May 18, 2021).  

H.R.3314 “To prohibit certain provisions of an Executive Order pertaining to land conservation from taking effect, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources; Agriculture; and Science, Space, and Technology (May 18, 2021). 

H.R.2021 “Environmental Justice For All Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (May 19, 2021).  

H.R.3311 “To rebuild the Nation’s infrastructure, provide a consumer rebate to the American people, assist coal country, reduce harmful pollution, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (May 19, 2021). 

H.R.3326 “To promote the development of renewable energy on public lands, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture (May 19, 2021).  

H.R.3330 “To promote the development of renewable energy on public lands, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture (May 19, 2021). 

H.Res.427 “Encouraging the Department of Agriculture to lead efforts, in partnerships with States, localities, universities, and various farming and ranching groups, to prepare for the disruptive transformation of the entire agriculture industry.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3369 “To codify the ReConnect Program, to expand rural broadband assistance, and to improve the administration and accountability of the broadband programs at the Department of Agriculture.” Referred to the Committees on Agriculture and Energy and Commerce (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3370 “To streamline broadband permitting process for broadband services, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Natural Resources; Agriculture; and Energy and Commerce (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3378 “To amend the Social Security Act, the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to require that the value of children’s savings accounts be disregarded for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive benefits under such Acts, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; Agriculture; and Education and Labor (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3412 “To amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to provide relief to nonbanks from certain stress test requirements under such Act.” Referred to the Committees on Financial Services and Agriculture (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3428 “To strengthen the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) categorical eligibility for applicants who already receive supplemental assistance elsewhere and for those with assets high enough to not require assistance; and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Agriculture; Education and Labor; and Energy and Commerce (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3435 “To establish a broadband expansion grant program, to streamline the permitting process for fixed and mobile broadband services, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources; and Agriculture (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3442 “To direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage and expand the use of prescribed fire on land managed by the Department of the Interior or the Forest Service, with an emphasis on units of the National Forest System in the western United States, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources; and Agriculture; and the Budget (May 20, 2021). 

H.R.3453 “To provide community-based nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger groups with funding to partner with small and mid-sized restaurants to expand meal access and delivery for low-income and vulnerable populations during, and through 1 year following the end of, a pandemic or public health emergency.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (May 20, 2021). 

H.R. 1692 “Rehabilitating Economic Success Through Overcoming Rural Emergencies Act” or the RESTORE Act: To extend and expand the Wildfire Hurricane Indemnity Program to cover losses due to high winds, polar vortexes, and hailstorms.” Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management (May 21, 2021).  

H.R.1721 “To amend the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 to authorize additional funds for the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund, to provide grants to States and Tribal Entities to strengthen the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, to provide for Federal coordination between the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier and the National Accuracy Clearinghouse, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations (May 21, 2021). 

H.R.1798 “Emergency Rural Community Relief Act: To provide for emergency grants for essential community facilities and temporary installations needed in response to COVID–19 pandemic in rural areas.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit (May 21, 2021). 

H.R.1983 “The Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2021 or the MONARCH Act of 2021: To encourage and facilitate efforts by States and other stakeholders to conserve and sustain the western population of monarch butterflies, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (May 21, 2021). 

H.R.1998 “Expanding Markets for State-Inspected Meat Processors Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture (May 21, 2021). 

U.S. Senate Committee Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry:    

No new actions May 17–21, 2021. 

Connect with the Center on Facebook or on Twitter @AgShaleLaw   

Top #AgLaw HotLinks  May 17–21, 2021 

COVID-19 Vaccination Divides Rural America, AGWEEK 

Memphis Bridge Closure Impacting Agriculture Shipments, Brownfield 

Study Finds That Corn Ethanol Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Brownfield 

Backyard Chickens, Rabbits, Soybeans Can Meet Household Protein Demand, Morning Ag Clips 

Department of Justice Urged to Further Investigate “Big Four” Meatpackers, Brownfield 

Wolf Administration Invests $500,000 in Future of Agriculture, Morning Ag Clips 

U.S. Appeals Court Upholds $25 Mln Roundup Verdict in Blow to Bayer, Reuters 

Leaders Recommit to USMCA Goals in First Tri-lateral Meeting, Brownfield 

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Written by:    
Audry Thompson—Research Assistant   
Brook Duer—Staff Attorney