Farm Bureau warns against EPA proposals

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is cautioning that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to place more restrictions on air quality standards, if implemented, would harm rural and agricultural communities.

“EPA’s proposed ozone standards would limit business expansion in nearly every populated region of the United States,” Dale Moore, AFBF's executive director of public policy, said.

In formal comments submitted to the EPA in March, AFBF said that the EPA’s attempt to tighten ozone standards would impose a high cost to ranchers and farmer, yet would lack a guaranteed advantage to the public.

Despite being a small contributor to ozone levels, agriculture would be hit hard by the proposed restrictions. According to AFBF, farming activities such as pesticide application, waste management and animal feeds would be restricted further despite the fact that, in some areas, proposed limits are near or at naturally occurring levels.

Should the proposed restrictions pass, ranchers and farmers would be forced to pay higher costs to meet special requirements for vehicles and fuel.

“U.S. industry and agriculture alike will create fewer jobs and be less competitive in the world market if these proposals are implemented," Moore said. "The hardship to farmers, ranchers and rural America will be real and immediate, while the benefits are unverified and uncertain.”