On Thursday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson testified in front of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture about the EPA's support for the agricultural industry in the United States.
Jackson also addressed many misconceptions about the EPA's role in the American agriculture industry that has caused unneeded tension between the agency and agricultural supporters.
She began by emphasizing the accomplishments of the agricultural industry, specifically that farmers and ranchers are a vital part of the American economy. Jackson also applauded the efforts taken by agricultural owners and workers that have significantly decreased environmental problems while still increasing production.
The EPA administrator then continued on a different note, taking the time to reduce tension, by addressing many misconceptions about the EPA's stance on agricultural development. She commented that the EPA is working to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, but that agricultural production is exempt from this point.
Jackson also stated that the EPA wouldn't regulate dust from farms or ranches and that the agency doesn't stand behind a "no-spray drift" policy, which would ultimately affect all sprayed pesticides. She further pointed out that while pesticides in the air is a significant health and environmental problem that needs to be assessed, completely banning sprayed pesticides would pose much more harm for the agricultural industry.
Aside from debunking several myths, Jackson reinstated the EPA's invested interest in agricultural production and development and that the agency was constantly working with farmers and ranchers and collecting their input on a variety of important issues. The EPA has also instated programs that encourage the development of new agricultural innovations and boosts job growth in the agricultural industry, which is ultimately expected to increase the income of workers within this sector $13 billion per year.
Jackson concluded her testimony by saying that the EPA is committed to working with farmers and ranchers to ensure environmentally-conscious production.
But even though the testimony from Jackson took a more positive and cooperative tone, it's possible that the EPA could be stripped of authority in regulating greenhouse gas emissions. A bill that would take away the EPA's powers to enforce greenhouse gas standards in the U.S. passed today in the House Energy and Power Subcommittee under Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.). Members voiced their concerns that allowing the EPA to have this power would drastically damage the economy.
It's possible that Jackson's emphasis of the EPA cooperating with the agricultural industry, a keystone industry in the U.S. economy, could be an essential tactic that gives the EPA a more pro-economy appearance.
Rachel Krech provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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