After House Farm Dust Vote, Johanns Calls for Senate Action on his Farm Dust Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for their bipartisan action prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating farm dust and called on the Senate to pass similar legislation he introduced in September. The bill, H.R. 1633, which passed the House today was sponsored by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.).

"The House action today would provide legal certainty to farmers and ranchers," said Johanns. "EPA's pledge to not regulate farm dust was important, but a valid argument has been made that it does not prevent future Administrations from doing so. The House bill puts this issue to rest for good. I hope we can build on the House's bipartisan support and pass my legislation in the Senate to ensure we avoid this dust-up in the future."

Senator Johanns' legislation would enable EPA to consider the source of particulate matter while prohibiting the agency from regulating farm dust, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (R-Nev.) changed the rules of the Senate in October to prevent the legislation from being offered as an amendment to a bill the Senate was considering. For more information on Senator Johanns' legislation, click here.

After Senator Johanns introduced his legislation, EPA announced it would not be revising its regulation on coarse particulate matter. Senator Johanns applauded the short-term reprieve. However, he also indicated that the flaw in the current law allowing EPA to consider onerous regulations of farm dust must be addressed to give farmers and ranchers long-term certainty.

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