Sen. Joni Ernst Invites EPA Administrator to Iowa

“It is critical to hear and see how your proposed changes to WOTUS and failure to put forth required levels for the RFS could, and have, impacted farmers, biofuel producers, and all of the important related industries.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today invited Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to Iowa to hear how proposed EPA regulations would directly impact Iowans. The invitation follows growing concern over the EPA’s inaction on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the EPA’s efforts to redefine the Waters of the United States (WOTUS).

In a letter sent to Administrator McCarthy, Senator Ernst detailed that while she looks forward to discussing these issues during hearings through the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, she also believes it is critical that the EPA “fully understand first-hand the impact that these regulatory actions are having on everyday Iowans.”

“Therefore, I would invite you to visit Iowa and directly engage with the people impacted the most by your regulatory choices. It is critical to hear and see how your proposed changes to WOTUS and failure to put forth required levels for the RFS could, and have, impacted farmers, biofuel producers, and all of the important related industries,” Ernst continued.

The letter below comes on the heels of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s recent meeting with Administrator Gina McCarthy where he raised these issues with the EPA directly.

February 23, 2015

Gina McCarthy

Administrator

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator McCarthy:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its regulatory choices have significant consequences on the lives and livelihood of Iowa’s agricultural industry—as well as many others. Inaction on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and your efforts to redefine the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) are of great concern to me and the many Iowa citizens who are impacted.

In his meeting on Friday in Washington, I know that Iowa Governor Terry Branstad raised these issues with you directly. I also look forward to engaging you through hearings and oversight from my membership on the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. However, I also believe it is critical for you to fully understand first-hand the impact that these regulatory actions are having on everyday Iowans.

Therefore, I would invite you to visit Iowa and directly engage with the people impacted the most by your regulatory choices. It is critical to hear and see how your proposed changes to WOTUS and failure to put forth required levels for the RFS could, and have, impacted farmers, biofuel producers, and all of the important related industries.

Thank you for your time and attention to this request.

Sincerely,

United States Senator Joni Ernst  

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