WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC) met in Washington, DC, and Arkansas rice farmer Jennifer James was there to hear updates on a range of topics, including EPA’s greenhouse gas inventory, water and biofuels policy, food loss and waste, and information on climate funding in the Inflation Reduction Act.
James, who chairs the USA Rice Sustainability Committee, was appointed to the FRRCC in 2022 by EPA Administrator Michael Regan. The FRRCC is charged with considering how EPA’s tools and programs can best support and advance the U.S. agriculture sector’s climate mitigation and adaptation goals.
“I am honored to represent USA Rice on issues that are important to our industry, ensuring rice farmers have a seat at the table,” said James. “The meetings over the past couple of days have highlighted a breadth of topics EPA covers that have an impact on the agriculture industry, and it is our hope that we can continue to be a part of the dialogue in a meaningful way.”
Earlier this month, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a rule defining yet again Waters of the United States (WOTUS) (see
USA Rice Daily, January 4, 2023). Today, the rule was officially published in the Federal Register and will go into effect on March 20, 2023.
“USA Rice appreciates the engagement of the EPA with the U.S. rice industry through the FRRCC and other channels,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward. “USA Rice will continue working to ensure our industry has the ability to produce a bountiful and safe supply of rice for consumers here at home and abroad without the inundation of overreaching government regulations and barriers.”