Strain Responds to EPA Withdrawal of Data Collection Proposal
Strain Responds to EPA Withdrawal of Data Collection Proposal
Baton Rouge, La. (September 6, 2013) – Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., says the withdrawal of a proposal that allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect basic and private information from farming operations across the country is a victory for Louisiana farmers. The EPA was seeking the information under the Clean Water Act Section 308, but was adamantly opposed by the agricultural industry. However, the move to not pursue the proposal has reportedly prompted a lawsuit by community, animal welfare and environmental organizations.
“We recently reached out to the EPA and explained that Louisiana agriculture and forestry has been extremely proactive in addressing water quality concerns. Scientifically based best management practices (BMPs) have been developed and are currently being implemented through the Louisiana Master Farmer program. The Louisiana Master Farmer Program is rooted in state law and backed by sound science making it a critical component for Louisiana’s overall water resource management programs,” said Strain.
Strain says much of the data that would be collected by the EPA is confidential and could present a domestic security risk. He adds that he has concerns for the privacy and safety of agricultural producers throughout the United States.
“The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry is to promote, protect and advance agriculture and forestry, and soil and water resources. We feel Louisiana should be allowed to exercise the authority of the Clean Water Act to develop its own water quality standards and implement them through an EPA approved process which is governed by existing law. These decisions should be based on good science, efforts should be sensitive to economic costs to producers, and consideration should be given to the overall economic impact of farm-based communities,” added Strain.
The original intent of the Clean Water Act was to establish a framework in which the state’s and federal government work together to protect the nation’s waters.
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