Lucas Questions EPA Administrator Regan on Sidelining of USDA’s Scientific Expertise

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined his colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee for a hearing with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan.

Lucas questioned EPA Administrator Regan about the EPA’s disregard of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientific evidence regarding chlorpyrifos use and other mitigation measures used on America’s farms and ranches.

Lucas, Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee also stressed the importance of EPA Administrator appearing before congressional committees with primary oversight and jurisdiction of the EPA.

Click here to watch Lucas’ Q&A.

On EPA ignoring USDA scientific expertise

“From my perch as Chair of the House Science Committee I have seen issues arise when Agency scientists at USDA and EPA are at odds. A prime example is the EPA’s action regarding chlorpyrifos uses. When USDA’s Office of Pest Management Policy (OPMP) provided your agency with evidence that certain uses could be retained to meet safety standards, but EPA chose to ignore that evidence.  

“In your written testimony you talk about your ‘strong desire to work closely with the farming and ranching community to identify practical science-based policies that protect the environment and ensure a vibrant and productive agricultural system.’

“Can you explain then why the scientific expertise at the USDA has been sidelined on this issue and various others such as the atrazine mitigation measures just to name a few?”

On EPA appearing before committees with primary jurisdiction 

“Having the privilege of being both a Member of the House Agriculture Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee where we’re very focused on research and science and the future, I look forward to seeing you in front of the Science Committee.

“As a matter of fact, we’ll get you an invitation fairly soon. And together we’ll work on these issues and try to make sure that science is the predominant force when we make decisions. I respect the Courts; I respect differences of opinion. But when the science is generated by people closer to the issue in the field and the use, I think we have to give them the benefit of the doubt.”

###

Recent Posts


Jun 17, 2024
National Security

Lucas Votes for NDAA on 249th Birthday of U.S. Army

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Lucas voted in favor of the legislation.   “Today, on the 249th birthday of the U.S. Army, House Republicans fulfilled our duty to support America’s servicemembers and bolster our national security. Not only […]



Jun 3, 2024
Agriculture

Lucas Statement on Farm Bill

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the House Committee on Agriculture completed its markup of the next Farm Bill: “I applaud Chairman Thompson for completing the gargantuan task of passing this Farm Bill out of Committee. As a former Chairman of the House Ag Committee, I know firsthand just how […]



May 16, 2024
Economy

Lucas: Basel Endgame Will Penalize Central Clearing

Washington, D.C. –  At today’s House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) questioned FDIC Chair Gruenberg and Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Barr on the consequences of the Basel Endgame proposal. Specifically, Congressman Lucas brought to attention his concern that the Basel requirements will constrain the capacity of banks to offer central clearing. He has previously pressed this […]