Michael Regan
Jan 07, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward met, via video conference, with Michael Regan, President-elect Joe Biden’s designate for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator. Ward and other members of the Ag CEO Council were briefed on the next administration’s plans to work with agricultural leaders to promote healthy and secure food supplies, clean air, and clean water.
“Regan, the current secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality in North Carolina, shared how his experiences growing up on a farm family, along with his work on the state level, helped shape his perspective of rural communities and their economic challenges,” said Ward.
Also on the call was Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA), incoming senior adviser to President-elect Biden and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
The Ag CEO Council, composed of leaders of some of the largest agricultural and farm organizations in the U.S., discussed the need for a strong ag liaison at the EPA and reiterated that U.S. agriculture needs to be part of the global climate solution, committed to ongoing work in conservation and sustainable practices. Members also emphasized the importance of adequate EPA staff and funding to meet deadlines for pesticide registration decisions, among other critical EPA functions.
“I thought it was a very positive meeting,” said Ward. “USA Rice looks forward to working with Regan and EPA staff on science-based solutions that will give rice farmers more certainty as they continue to maintain the country’s safe, nutritious food supply.”
USA Rice has had meetings with Biden’s transition team over the last several weeks and appreciates the continued outreach to all of agriculture to ensure our voices are being heard.