Farm Bureau Seeks Revisions in Air Quality Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 15, 2006 – The American Farm Bureau Federation filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality standards. AFBF along with the National Pork Producers Council does not believe science warrants the regulation of agricultural dust.

Specifically, EPA issued a rule revising the Clean Air Act National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter on Oct. 17, 2006.  In adjusting the annual and daily air quality standards for particulate matter, EPA also rejected an earlier proposal to exclude agricultural dust from regulation. AFBF President Bob Stallman said that EPA’s rule is not based on sound science and the decision to regulate agricultural dust will negatively impact U.S. farmers and ranchers.

“Our farmers and ranchers agree on the importance of producing food and fiber in a fashion that is environmentally sound,” said Stallman. “However, regulations imposed upon U.S. farmers and ranchers must have a scientific basis. Over-regulation simply restricts farmers and ranchers from being productive and serving as global leaders in providing safe and affordable food in the U.S. and abroad.”

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