Hartzler: Bill will relieve farmers of burdensome regulations

Rep. Vicky Hartzler says the Reducting Regulatory Burdens Act will make life easier for farmers. From her news release:

Needless government intrusion into the lives of farmers, foresters, and everyday citizens would be reduced under a bill, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4), that has passed the U.S. House. The Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, a bill that eliminates a permitting requirement regulating the distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, was easily approved in a bipartisan vote.

“The requirement is costly and redundant as it creates an extra layer of government bureaucracy,” Hartzler said. “Farmers already obtain an applicator’s license to apply pesticides. This added permit requirement is an unwelcome intrusion by the federal government.”

“This federal government regulation not only results in additional costs for individuals and private businesses, it forces state government agencies to spend time and money on a nuisance requirement. In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources is charged with implementation and regulation. DNR and other state agencies across the country are simply not equipped with the resources to comply. Financially-strapped states, like Missouri, should not be burdened with this tremendous waste of valuable time and resources.”

Unless the current rule is changed, farmers will have to obtain a Clean Water Act permit – on every field - before spraying pesticides over or near water, beginning this fall. Having passed the House, the legislation now moves to the Senate.