At the Expense of Common Sense

When someone goes to great lengths to assure you that you have nothing to worry about, you can be darn sure you probably do. Many agricultural groups and even several members of Congress have come to the same conclusion in regards to Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson’s statements issuing that the EPA has no intention of regulating farm dust. Her most recent statement given to farmers in Iowa this past week where she was quoted as saying, “Right now I would say folks have nothing to worry about, right now, with respect to dust,” is exactly what gives ag groups reason to worry. The mere repetition of the two words, “right now”, gives every indication that the EPA does indeed intend to regulate farm dust in the not too distant future. With dust being an unavoidable and natural part of farming its no wonder that farmers are fearful of stricter dust exposure standards and the costly federal regulations that would go along with them. Efforts for a healthy environment are commendable, but not at the expense of common sense. Only time will tell if common sense will have any influence in the EPA’s decision.