Article

2017-05-30 -Land of the Free

Farmer Faces $2.8 Million Fine For Plowing His Own Field

[Free Beacon] A California farmer is facing a $2.8 million fine for failing to get a permit to plow his own field.

John Duarte bought 450 acres of land near Modesto in 2012 and is now being sued by the federal government for plowing near areas the government considers to be "waters of the United States."

A farmer faces trial in federal court this summer and a $2.8 million fine for failing to get a permit to plow his field and plant wheat in Tehama County.

A lawyer for Duarte Nursery said the case is important because it could set a precedent requiring other farmers to obtain costly, time-consuming permits just to plow.

"The case is the first time that we're aware of that says you need to get a (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) permit to plow to grow crops," said Anthony Francois, a lawyer for the Pacific Legal Foundation. The libertarian-leaning nonprofit fights for private property rights and limited government.

"We're not going to produce much food under those kinds of regulations," Francois said.

The case will head to trial in August. The government claims that Duarte violated the Clean Water Act because he did not obtain a permit to work near the wetlands. Francois, the attorney for Duarte, said farmers plowing their fields are exempt from federal rules.

Posted by Besoeker 2017-05-30 09:02|| || Front Page|| [11138 views ] Top

#1 sued by the federal government for plowing near areas the government considers to be "waters of the United States."

Over-reach. The government is supposed to be us.

Posted by JohnQC 2017-05-30 09:11|| 2017-05-30 09:11|| Front Page Top

#2 If this isn't dropped by the feds, the swamp draining isn't working.

Posted by DarthVader 2017-05-30 09:34|| 2017-05-30 09:34|| Front Page Top

#3 I thought the last expansion of 'Waters of the US' was rolled back by the Trumpster.

Posted by Bobby 2017-05-30 10:06|| 2017-05-30 10:06|| Front Page Top

#4 The Feds issued the actual 'Stop Order' to Duarte in February 2013, Bobby.

Different times, but symptom of the problems DJT has to address.

Posted by Mullah Richard 2017-05-30 10:18|| 2017-05-30 10:18|| Front Page Top

#5 If any of you have noticed the short plastic mesh retention fences at construction sites, and perhaps hay bales at the nearest storm sewer entrance, it's a manifestation of the same regulations.
Gotta control topsoil runoff.

Posted by ed in texas 2017-05-30 18:45|| 2017-05-30 18:45|| Front Page Top

#6 When this gets thrown out of court, the government vermin in charge of this need to pay the fine. Then be fired and put in prison for life.

Posted by Silentbrick 2017-05-30 20:28|| 2017-05-30 20:28|| Front Page Top

#7 Looks like "downsizing time"

Posted by Frank G 2017-05-30 20:59|| 2017-05-30 20:59|| Front Page Top

#8 If the law moves quickly and the case isn't tossed by some 0bumhole appointee they may go to jail. Only to be pardoned when the Donks move back into power.

Posted by gorb 2017-05-30 21:31|| 2017-05-30 21:31|| Front Page Top

09:43 Mullah Richard
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