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Feb. 25, 2016 Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) reports: Agricultural industry continues to face federal regulatory challenges. Thankfully, agriculture's allies in the U.S. Senate stepped forward. The Agricultural Retailers Association recently recognized two legislators who have lead efforts to defend the industry's freedom to operate: Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). Both were named ARA's 2015 Legislator of the Year. ARA recognized Sen. Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for his determined efforts on behalf of the agricultural industry during his years of service in the Senate. Recently, Cochran was instrumental in providing agricultural retailers with urgent regulatory relief from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Process Safety Management Standard in the Fiscal Year 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act Sen. Thune has been prominent in pressing another vital policy issue for agricultural retailers: transportation. In addition to his steadfast support of the agricultural industry, ARA recognized Sen. Thune, chairman of the Transportation Committee, for his efforts to reform the Surface Transportation Board, address the Positive Train Control deadline, and enact a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill. Thune has also been outspoken about the Environmental Protection Agency's redefinition of Water of the United States under the Clean Water Act. "The administration is very intent on regulating ditches, ponds and puddles, which is a tremendous overreach," Thune said. "[Expansion of WOTUS] causes great economic harm to farmers, ranchers and small business owners. It's a detriment and a barrier to a prosperous ag economy." ARA presents its Legislator of the Year award annually to a member, or members, of Congress who champion legislation important to the agricultural retail industry. The awards were presented as the ARA Board of Directors visited Congressional offices on earlier this month. "It is an honor to present Rep. Thune and Sen. Cochran with ARA's Legislator of the Year award," said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. "Their insistence agricultural interests be included in conversations regarding transportation and appropriations resulted in appropriate and functional legislation on key issues for ag retailers. We appreciate their dedication and continued support for the agriculture industry." Thune and Cochran graciously accepted the recognition. "It was very thoughtful to be recognized in this way," Cochran added. "I'm flattered and appreciate the honor." Tweet |
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