Lucas to Jackson: Clarify EPA's Proposed Actions

Frank D. Lucas, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting a response to a list of questions from a bipartisan group of lawmakers that was submitted to her agency nearly six months ago.

Administrator Jackson testified before the Committee on March 10, 2011 at a hearing on EPA regulations. Following the hearing, members of the Agriculture Committee submitted questions for the record to clarify EPA's proposed actions and to gather more information about potential impacts on agriculture.


The EPA currently has more than 300 regulations under consideration, which could affect issues ranging from farm dust to federal jurisdiction over small streams and ponds. The American Council for Capital Formation estimates that by 2014, EPA regulations will cost Americans anywhere from $47 billion to $141 billion, and eliminate between 476 thousand and 1.4 million jobs.

Lucas asked Jackson in his letter:  "...after your testimony before our Committee, a bipartisan group of lawmakers sent you a list of questions for the record to clarify your agency's intentions and the potential effects EPA actions will have on agriculture. 

We sent these questions nearly six months ago, and have yet to receive a response. 

Our Committee is not raising idle concerns; we are seeking forthright answers that will help farmers and ranchers make important business decisions. 

By clarifying your agency's intent through these questions, you can help dispel any mischaracterizations of regulations which are currently under consideration by your agency and give American businesses the regulatory certainty they need to invest in our economy."