Gary Cooper, an Ohio pork and poultry producer, testified on behalf of the NPPC at a House Agriculture Committee hearing, discussing the negative impacts of EPA regulations on agriculture. He highlighted issues with the proposed Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) and the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, which could excessively regulate farmland features and threaten smaller facilities. Cooper acknowledged the EPA’s formation of the Office of Agricultural and Rural Affairs (OARA), which aims to improve cooperation with farmers. Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn also testified, emphasizing the need for practical and affordable regulatory measures.
Why it matters:
Environmental regulations are crucial for maintaining air, land, and water quality. However, poorly designed EPA rules can heavily burden agricultural producers. The NPPC advocates for practical solutions that address real problems without imposing excessive costs on farmers.
