Cruz, Fischer Introduce Legislation to Stop Burdensome EPA Reporting Requirement Impacting Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb) recently introduced legislation to stop a burdensome Environment Protection Agency (EPA) reporting requirement on family farmers and ranchers implemented by the Biden administration. The legislation would clarify that the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) is not intended to regulate manure odors, which pose no threat to public safety. It would also ensure that emergency first responders are not inundated with unnecessary reporting.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “The Biden administration has consistently burdened our farmers and ranchers with unnecessary regulations that hinder agricultural development across the Lone Star State. Now, the EPA wants to involve first responders with irrelevant reports involving animal waste emissions under the guise of public safety. Producers in rural America shouldn’t be strapped down with senseless government regulations imposed by bureaucrats in Washington.”

Cosponsors include U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

Read full text of the bill here.

BACKGROUND

The legislation has been endorsed by:

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