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Farm groups react to EPA nomination of Michael Regan

Agriculture groups are optimistic about the nomination of Michael Regan to run the EPA under President-Elect Biden. 

National Pork Producers Council President AV Roth tells Brownfield, “It’s going to be a huge change from who we’ve had in there over the last four years, with a couple of people that we’ve had in that position, but at least we’re not going to just throw agriculture under the bus.”

Roth says their members have experience working with Regan in his role as North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality. “Absolutely. He has had an open-door policy. We’ve been able to go in there and talk to him. H doesn’t always come down on the pork producer’s side, but at least getting in there and talking to him and going over the science with him, at least you can talk to him.”

Brian Jennings with the American Coalition for Ethanol tells Brownfield they really don’t know much about Regan, but he’s hopeful the change in direction at EPA will resolve the renewable fuels issues of the past two administrations. “Under President Trump, we’ve seen brazen abuse of the Small Refinery Exemption provision of the RFS (Renewable Fuel Standard) and so, yeah, we’re ready to turn the page.”

North Carolina’s Farm Bureau has strongly endorsed Regan.  American Farm Bureau Federation’s President Zippy Duvall says Regan has reached out to farmers and ranchers to better understand the challenges facing agriculture and has a reputation for making decisions guided by science.  Duvall says if confirmed, he hopes Regan brings that same openness and science-based approach to the EPA.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association issued a statement saying they are ready to engage with Regan on environmental issues including clean water, air, and soil.

Regan still must be confirmed by the new Senate when it convenes next year.