To the editor:

High plains farmers are concerned about the aquifers of Kansas, and the Kansas Geological Survey has been trying to educate the public concerning this resource, but a recent study has caused the issue to resurface in the public mind and this is good. However your Sept. 4 editorial fails to mention two keys factors and does little to educate the public.

(1) The Renewable Fuel Standard mandates the “EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is responsible for developing and implementing regulations to ensure that transportation fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel.” (EPA website) This required renewable fuel to be blended into transportation fuel from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022.

(2) By Kansas law, water is a public resource that is dedicated to the use of the people of the state. Farmers obtain permission to use water for beneficial purposes by a water right (KGS website). Water management is the responsibility of several Kansas agencies.

Kansas farmers are not irresponsible as crackheads addicted to crack. (Your words not mine.) They are wise businessmen and women who are getting unprecedented returns for the water they use. Voters are responsible for the market that has been created and are also responsible for managing the water, through their elected representatives.  Your editorial did not educate, but resorted to the name-calling so prevalent in the media. The Journal-World should adhere to its own editorial requirements.