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FARRM Bill

Floor Speech

Date: June 19, 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Agriculture and Food Environment

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Agriculture Committee, I strongly support the FARRM Bill we are considering today and the reforms that it brings.

The EPA has been implementing what is known as a ``total maximum daily load'' on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The TMDL is often described as a pollution diet because it mandates water quality standards and nutrient discharges into the watershed.

Aside from the great cost, one of the concerns I have had is the science behind the TMDL. EPA's model is substantially different from USDA's. As such, I have been a strong advocate for EPA utilizing the USDA's data and agricultural expertise while implementing this mandate.

This is why I am offering an amendment to the FARRM Bill which will require USDA to provide such data and consultation to EPA while ensuring privacy of farmers.

The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. It needs and deserves our attention. However, these restoration activities, which require taxpayer dollars, should include the best science available to continue the great strides we are already making with the health of the bay.


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