This week’s Cotton Newsline is 3 cuts. All cuts are Robbie Minnich, senior government relations representative for the National Cotton council.
Suggested Introduction 1:
Farmers are closely monitoring a longstanding and recurring debate over whether to clamp down on “rural fugitive-dust.” Robbie Minnich, senior government relations representative for the National Cotton Council says EPA is reviewing its airborne pollutant standards, as required every five years under the Clean Air Act.
Suggested Introduction 2:
Minnich says in July, nearly two dozen senators from farm states urged EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson in a joint letter to keep in place the current particulate standards, approved in ’06.
Suggested Introduction 3:
Minnich says agricultural interests contend that there is no scientific evidence supporting a need for tighter regulations on dust.
Suggested Conclusion:
The agency is expected to release a final document next month spelling out its options for revising the standards. The EPA plans to announce any proposed changes in February and likely will approve a final updated rule by Oct. ’11. The agency then would determine which areas of the nation will not meet those new standards.
