Today Congressman Rogers voted in favor of H.R. 1633, the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011, which will prohibit any further regulation of rural dust by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This bill will eliminate the threat of excessive new federal regulations that could hurt American farmers, ranchers, and small businesses. The House passed the measure by 268 - 150 and H.R. 1633 now awaits consideration by the Senate.

“For farmers in southern and eastern Kentucky, dust is a part of everyday business and life. Driving a tractor down a dirt road and plowing a field on a dry day could put farmers at risk for violating EPA regulations costing farmers days of production and revenue,” said Rogers. “The EPA has put a bullseye on rural businesses across the spectrum – from coal mines, to family farms, to manufacturers.  In this economy, the federal government should be working with rural businesses to create jobs, not introducing more red tape and regulations.”

Rural communities in America are a vital part of the U.S. economy, providing affordable food and agricultural products. The agricultural sector alone supports 1.8 million American jobs and represents 5% of U.S. exports, serving as a central force behind our nation’s infrastructure and innovation.  Earlier this year, the EPA proposed costly “dust rules” and stringent standards that would impact all of rural America and hurt an already staggering economy. H.R. 1633 affirms that state and local officials are better equipped to manage nuisance dust than unelected Washington-based bureaucrats, and will prohibit the EPA from imposing job-killing federal regulations on rural America.

Upon passage, H.R. 1633 will join more than 25 other bipartisan, House-passed jobs bills that are stalled in the slow-moving Senate. This year, Rogers has supported dozens of bills focused on removing government barriers – excessive regulations, the threat of tax hikes, and ‘stimulus’ spending policies – that are hurting job growth.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents.  For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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Click here to download an mp3 audio statement from Congressman Rogers

Runs 1 min 2 seconds
Mp3 verbatim:

“The Obama Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency is at it again, this time trying to regulate controls on of all things- dust on farms. This out-of-control agency now is declaring a war on farmers, joining their war on coal. Which I’ve been fighting for a long time.

Across Kentucky, farmers are the lifeblood of our economy and the heartbeat of our communities. Yet once again, the EPA is threatening these important jobs with wrong-headed, Washington-based regulations.

Fortunately, today I supported, and the House of Representatives passed a bill that tries to stop the continued assault on working family farms and reminds Washington that “farm dust” is just part of doing the job; not an environmental hazard.

Today’s bill puts a stop to one more misguided EPA rulemaking.

It’s time for Washington let us put Americans back to work and get our economy back on track.”