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Jul. 2, 2026 Source: EPA news release
Meeting with our state partners is an important investment of our time that rewards our region with enhanced environmental protections stemming from shared understanding, connection, and collaboration across multiple levels of government. During the meeting, EPA's Office of Air and Radiation Assistant Administrator Aaron Szabo, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticides Kyle Kunkler, and Special Assistant for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Jake Tipton presented environmental updates to attendees. State agriculture departments have an important role in implementing the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, which is the law that regulates pesticides in the United States. They also implement and promote policies and conservation programs that protect America's air, water, and land. The meeting served as an opportunity for regional agriculture leaders to meet federal decision makers face-to-face, with the intention of helping states implement and enforce regulations that protect human health and the environment through the safe application of pesticides. Here's what attendees are saying: Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke: "The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is grateful to Regional Administrator Macy and his team for convening this important dialogue with the Region 7 states. We appreciated the opportunity to discuss priorities, ask questions, and share feedback with the EPA Region 7 team on behalf of Iowa's agriculture community. While many timely topics were discussed including updates on EPA's programs related to pesticides, biofuels, and air and water quality, it was especially encouraging to hear about the progress EPA is making to improve efficiency, expand stakeholder engagement, and enhance customer service while working with farmers to promote conservation and environmental stewardship." Kansas Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Josh McGinn: "The Kansas Department of Agriculture appreciates EPA Region 7's proactive work with all of the states in the region to make sure our farmers and ranchers have a seat at the table. In Kansas, we especially appreciate Regional Administrator Macy's commitment to making sure ranchers and landowners can continue to use highly effective tools like prescribed burns to address woody encroachment and keep Kansas grasslands in healthy, working condition. We also appreciated EPA's updates on their efforts to make sure Kansas farmers and ranchers continue to have access to highly effective and scientifically vetted crop treatments and other tools with practical application requirements." Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn: "We heard from EPA' s Region 7, Office of Pesticide Programs, and Office of Air and Radiation on issues important to agriculture in our state, such as improving EPA's pesticide label approval process and changes to diesel exhaust fluid systems. We appreciated hearing updates that demonstrated EPA actions aimed at reducing regulatory impacts on the nation's agricultural economy and that EPA is committed to cooperative federalism." Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton: "Nebraska agriculture thrives when we have strong partnerships with federal agencies. This meeting with EPA Region 7 provided valuable updates on pesticide programs, air quality, and practical implementation of regulations directly impacting our producers. We especially appreciate the participation of Washington D.C. administration officials along with Regional Administrator Macy's focus on cooperative federalism. This engagement ensures that Nebraska farmers and ranchers maintain access to the tools and flexibility needed to remain productive while protecting our natural resources." More on state partnerships EPA regularly meets with state environmental, health, and agriculture agencies to hear firsthand from states about their environmental challenges and science needs, share information about available EPA resources, and explore potential collaborations. In the spirit of cooperative federalism, these meeting discussions and presentations help to ensure that states are in lockstep with the agency on the latest program updates and federal policies under the agency's statutory authority. These collaborative efforts have improved EPA's ability to fulfill its mission across the country. Tweet |
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