Key Vote Alert Supporting H.R. 1633, the “Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011"
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, supports H.R. 1633, the “Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011,” which would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating dust in rural America while still maintaining the protections of the Clean Air Act for the public’s health and welfare. H.R 1633 would also prohibit revision of the current dust standard for one year from date of enactment and provides flexibility for states and localities to regulate “nuisance dust.”
The Chamber supports lawful, sensible and balanced environmental regulations, guidance and policies to protect the environment and public health, to promote economic growth and innovation, and to create jobs. Regulatory certainty is required to accomplish these things.
Therefore, although the Chamber welcomes EPA’s October 14, 2011 announcement that it does not plan to regulate farm dust, it is noted that in 2006 EPA proposed to exempt agriculture dust in a proposed rule but the exemption was removed from the final rule. Further, the Clean Air Act requires EPA to revisit standards every five years, providing the Agency with ample opportunity to impose new regulations should it be inclined to do so. Consequently, the Chamber believes that the “Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act” should be enacted to create regulatory certainty.
The Chamber strongly urges you to approve H.R. 1633, the “Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011.” The Chamber may consider including votes on, or in relation to, this issue in our annual How They Voted scorecard.
Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten
Related Links
- U.S. Chamber President Calls for Increased Development of America’s Energy Resources at Global Business Forum
- Key Vote Letter on the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011
- Donohue Calls on White House to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline Permit
- New U.S. Chamber Report Exposes Growing Costs of Regulating Behind Closed Doors
- Comments on Proposed Consent Decree Relating to National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter
- U.S. Chamber Report Reveals that EPA’s Takeover of States’ Regional Haze Programs is All Cost, No Benefit
- Request for Correction, Technical Support Document, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry”
- U.S. Chamber Launches Campaign to Promote its American Jobs and Growth Agenda