WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, June 15th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) sent a letter to both U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan urging the EPA not to repeal the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and expressing concern over reports that the Administration is considering ethanol blend mandate reprieves to oil refiners, which would devastate Iowa's biofuel industry. |
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The lawmakers wrote: “The link between energy policy and agricultural policy is not only strong, but it is co-dependent. We ask that you please make a commitment to ensure these conversations about clean water and biofuels are not one-sided. Conversations and decisions need not only to come from both USDA and EPA together, but also from real farmers in rural America who understand the art and science of farming deeper than any of us are able to from behind our desks. To empower our farmers, the Administration needs to listen to their concerns, suggestions, and expertise to make an informed decision.” To read the full letter, click HERE. |
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In April 2021, Miller-Meeks introduced a resolution with over 100 of her colleagues to uphold the NWPR. In June 2021, Miller-Meeks issued a statement expressing disappointment with the EPA announcing plans to rescind the NWPR.
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