Environmental Policy
Following Monday’s right-to-repair announcement, EPA is demanding DEF failure data from engine makers, targeting shutdowns and derates that cause costly downtime, with more DEF changes expected.
EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers unveiled a revised rule on Monday aimed at clearer permitting and fewer regulatory surprises, such as narrowing which water features fall under federal oversight and confirming exclusions.
In the heart of California’s Central Valley, generations of farm families are facing a new kind of crisis: what farmers argue is a man-made drought. It’s mounting water regulations that could determine whether the most fertile farmland in the nation survives.
The move is the latest by the Trump administration to stall development of wind and solar energy, which Trump says are unreliable, expensive and dependent on Chinese supply chains.
Now farm tractors, combines and sprayers can be configured so there is no impact on engine power for up to 36 hours when a DEF system malfunction occurs, and a farmer has up to 100 engine hours at 25% power reduction before a 50% reduction takes hold.
The White House said on Monday to not expect public release of the Make America Healthy Again policy recommendations on Aug. 12
USDA proposed major cuts to how it implements NEPA and the public can submit comments through July 30.
The agency plans to cut staff to Reagan administration levels and shift research to office run by political appointees. Advocacy groups are concerned about scientific independence.
U.S. officials and lawmakers have complained that Mexico’s failure to meet its obligations under the treaty is harming Texas farmers. Mexico has argued that it is under drought conditions that have strained the country’s water resources.
The administration created a “top 10 list” that includes the fishing industry, agricultural land deforestation in Brazil that impacts beef and soy production and Mexican avocados produced on illegally deforested lands.
Virtual and in-person gatherings about terms for “waters of the United States” are set to begin next week, with the agricultural session scheduled for May 1.
Steve Cubbage says the upcoming farm bill could decide if the U.S. gets a taste for Europe’s recent farmer protests.
The Environmental Protection Agency has outlined opportunities to protect communities from the impacts of plastic production and waste.
Trump stated that Zeldin would “ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions” to “unleash the power of American businesses.” The administration aims to maintain “the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet” while pursuing deregulation.
Throughout the hearing, Lee Zeldin underscored the importance of protecting the environment without hindering economic development. He stated, “We can, and we must, protect our precious environment without suffocating the economy.”
Following White House directives, USDA is honoring existing contracts with farmers, releasing approximately $20 million for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick to lead the Health and Human Services, is scheduled to appear in front of the Senate twice this week for confirmation hearings.