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FARM BUREAU: EPA UPDATES TO AIR QUALITY STANDARDS CONCERN FARMERS
Jun. 19, 2012
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation news release
The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed updates to its national air quality standards for both coarse and fine particulate matter. EPA proposed no changes to its standards for coarse particles, which include dust commonly generated by typical farming practices and driving on unpaved rural roads.
"Although we're pleased with EPA's decision not to propose changes to its standards for coarse dust particles at this time, there's much more to this story," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "We remain concerned that the final rule EPA will publish later this year could look very different from the initial proposal."
EPA is expected to publish a final rule on its National Ambient Air Quality Standards in December. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review ambient air quality standards every five years.
"America's food producers-farmers and ranchers-need stability and certainty regarding government regulations, which is why Farm Bureau supports the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act," said Stallman.
The Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, which would exempt agriculture from EPA regulations, was passed by the House but has not been brought up for consideration in the Senate.
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