Lucas Holds First Conservation Subcommittee Hearing

Washington, DC – Today, the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology held its first hearing entitled, “Supporting Farmers, Strengthening Conservation, Sustaining Working Lands”.

As Chair of the subcommittee, Congressman Frank D. Lucas (OK-03) opened the hearing by examining the policies that led to the Dust Bowl and the subsequent efforts to restore conservation in American agriculture. He then emphasized the need to pass the next Farm Bill to further improve voluntary conservation efforts. You can watch his opening remarks here.

He then had the opportunity to question witnesses on a variety of topics, including the watershed and flood prevention program as well as the need to simplify voluntary conservation programs so they can be accessible for all producers. You can watch his full Q&A here.

Congressman Lucas closed today’s hearing by emphasizing the need to pass a five-year Farm Bill and enact commonsense conservation policies to preserve American farmland for generations to come. You can watch his closing remarks here.

BACKGROUND:

The Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology has jurisdiction over policies and statutes related to resource conservation; pest and disease management, including pesticides; bioterrorism; adulteration and quarantine matters; research, education, and extension; biotechnology; and related oversight of such issues.

You can find more information on the subcommittee here.

Congressman Lucas recently wrote an Op-ed in The Oklahoman about the policies that led to the Dust Bowl and the progress made in Washington to bolster conservation practices. You can read this Op-ed here.

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