Steve Buyer: “the matter before us today is a perfect example of how this institution can work effectively and in a bipartisan manner…”

“the matter before us today is a perfect example of how this institution can work effectively and in a bipartisan manner to combat bad policy. I am grateful to Mr. Ewing, Mr. Poshard, and Mr. Barcia for their strong support and diligent efforts in this matter. In addition, I appreciate the assistance and cooperation of Chairman Shuster, Ranking Minority Member Oberstar, Subcommittee Chairman Petri, Subcommittee Ranking Member Rahall, and Majority Whip DeLay. For the past few months a bipartisan effort has undertaken a cause to address a little known proposed regulation, HM-200, regarding the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act that would most likely cost the average farmer between $2,000 to $3,000. The overall impact of the regulation could exceed $7 billion for the agriculture industry. The Department of Transportation's [DOT] proposed regulation would supercede every State exception granted to the agriculture industry in the transferring of agricultural production material from either retail-to-farm or from farm-to-farm. Besides the regulatory burdens of such a mandate, the enforcement is even less practical.”