Easing Regulations

Easing the Burden. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

Any orchardist, farmer, rancher, ag producer knows that regulations can be stifling. Former Ag Secretary, now U.S. Senator, Mike Johanns has introduced three pieces of legislation that, he says, would ease the regulatory burdens that have been inhibiting American business' ability to create jobs. One bill would freeze federal agencies' ability to impose most new rules and regulations, while a second would close loopholes that have led to federal agencies expanding their powers by circumventing Congressional oversight. A third bill would explicitly prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating farm dust.

JOHANNS: According to the EPA’s own analysis the guidance would significantly expand the waters of the United States, subject to federal control and regulation. The American Farm Bureau has said the guidance has quote “ Defines jurisdiction in the broadest way possible.

Johanns accuses the administration of circumventing and stretching the law after Congress thwarted its efforts last year

JOHANNS: So the legislation I introduced today closes the loophole. It amends the congressional review act to cover both traditional rules and guidance documents. No more end run around Congress. Consequently agencies would be on notice that the loophole through which they intend to circumvent our will and the will of the American public is now a closed door.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.