New York Farm Bureau Statement on Gov. Hochul's Veto of Class C Streams Bill

The following statement may be attributed to NYFB President David Fisher:

“Gov. Hochul made the right decision to veto an act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the protection of Class C waterways and streams (S.4162/A.6652). If approved, it would have significantly expanded the permits required to perform work on additional waterways, many of which only flow intermittently. This would include new permits on some farmland that is dry most of the year, adding both money and time to perform routine practices on agricultural soil.  

In her veto message, Gov. Hochul said while the goal is laudable, the bill would have “serious regulatory impacts” and greatly increase the costs to the state and local communities. We agree with the governor and applaud her decision to limit regulatory overreach and contain costs for farms and other landowners across the state." 

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New York Farm Bureau is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau’s mission is “Supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education.”