Bill > S2663

This bill, the Agriculture Creates Real Employment (ACRE) Act, aims to modify and improve environmental requirements for agriculture and agricultural producers in several key ways: 1. It streamlines the permitting process for farmers and ranchers to address issues with depredating eagles, migratory birds, and other wildlife that may pose conflicts. 2. It exempts the exportation of certain echinoderms (such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers) from Endangered Species Act export permission and licensing requirements. 3. It clarifies the definition of "baited area" for the purposes of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to report on changes to normal agricultural practices related to this. 4. It exempts the use and residue of EPA-authorized pesticides from requiring permits under the Clean Water Act, and requires a report on coordination between EPA offices on pesticide registration and water quality impacts. 5. It prohibits the EPA from disclosing certain identifying information about livestock operations and agricultural producers, and limits the EPA's use of aerial surveillance of agricultural lands without consent or a court order. 6. It codifies existing regulations on the management of double-crested cormorants, and adjusts the applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules for certain smaller oil storage facilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2663/all-info