EPA Regions 7 and 8 Meet State Agriculture Directors in Denver

Release Date: 01/15/2013 Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Jan. 15, 2013) - Officials from EPA Regions 7 and 8 hosted meetings Jan. 14 and 15 in Denver, Colo., with the directors of state agriculture departments of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. The meetings provided a forum for dialogue on EPA programs and regulations as well as specific issues, interests and concerns of the agriculture sector.

EPA participants in the meetings included Karl Brooks, Region 7 Administrator; Jim Martin, Region 8 Administrator; Josh Svaty, Region 7 Agricultural Adviser; Rebecca Perrin, Region 8 Agricultural Adviser; and Howard Cantor, Region 8 Deputy Administrator.

“EPA is engaging our state agriculture directors in a dynamic regulatory relationship dedicated to the common enterprise of environmental care,” said Brooks. “We salute the ingenuity, dedication and environmental commitment of American farmers and ranchers.”

EPA recognizes that agricultural producers are on the front line of environmental stewardship and are affected by many EPA programs. Frequent meetings with state agriculture directors are a critical way for EPA to provide outreach and receive feedback on current issues and concerns. Specific topics of the meetings included air quality standards for particulate matter, pesticides, nutrient management, water quality and concentrated animal feeding operations.