Political Quotes

“You would think that EPA is about to regulate these fine particulate matter for the very first time, but that's not accurate. PM10 is already regulated because EPA had to set a standard to protect the public health. These small particulates can get into your lungs, and they can cause increased respiratory symptoms in children, and can cause premature death in people with heart and lung disease, so EPA sets a standard to protect the public health. What this amendment would do would be to stop EPA from setting a standard that might be tighter if the science dictates it. Once they set a standard, EPA does not regulate. EPA leaves it to the States to decide how they will meet that standard. EPA is already talking to the stakeholders in the agricultural communities. In the past, the vast majority of States has not required farms to take any action that would require reductions of this pollution. Instead, States have typically reduced particles from industrial processes. California and Arizona are addressing agricultural pollution by incorporating USDA-approved conservation measures in some areas. EPA does not target monitoring in rural areas. They are reaching out to their stakeholders. EPA should not be stopped by this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Mrs. Noem). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”