PR - STATE APPROACHES TO REDUCING AGRICULTURAL NUTRIENT IMPACTS ON WATER QUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

Agricultural nutrients in the wrong places pose threats to water quality in the United States, but the federal government has little control over the issue. States do have authority over nonpoint sources such as agricultural nutrient runoff, but what are they doing to address water quality threats? This paper presents an overview of different approaches states are utilizing to reduce agricultural nutrient impacts on water. Approaches fall into seven categories that range from statewide reduction strategies to nutrient application restrictions and external partnerships. Voluntary incentives remain a priority, but a slight trend toward mandatory requirements exists. The current landscape is well- populated with a diversity of state actions, but funding, impact monitoring and coordination may prove critical to program and policy success.

Keywords: water quality; nutrient reduction; agricultural nutrient pollution; law; policy