Despite EPA Regulations, Congresswoman Committed to Protecting

Eastern Washington’s Agriculture Community

Spokane, WA – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA), Chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, hosted a successful agriculture roundtable discussion today. They met with agriculture stakeholders and research leaders from Washington State University to discuss the regulatory and budgetary issues that are most pertinent to Eastern Washington’s farmers.

“Today’s discussion was both engaging and productive,” said Rep McMorris Rodgers. “Chairman Kingston and I addressed many issues affecting farmers across the country – including EPA regulations, anticipated appropriations for ARS research, crop insurance, and market access programs. In addition, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand how EPA regulations negatively affect the farmers in our region and what we can do as legislators to help protect them.”

Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Chairman Kingston responded to the concerns raised by Eastern Washington’s farmers regarding the deleterious effects of duplicative pesticide permit regulations, proposed new PM10 regulations, and increased EPA intervention. Rep. McMorris Rodgers also highlighted the importance of continued ARS funding.

“It is imperative that we continue to support funding for agriculture research, especially those that focus on crop protection in Eastern Washington,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “Today’s meeting provided a phenomenal opportunity to hear directly from our stakeholders and partners at WSU about which programs and policies are most effective. As this budget debate continues, I will remain steadfast in my commitment to stimulate our economy, create jobs, and protect Eastern Washington’s farmers.”