Stricter ozone standards would hit agriculture hard
Published 12:00 am, Sunday, May 24, 2015
It’s hard to determine real truths these days. There is so much information in front of us at such a frenetic pace. You wonder sometimes if the information is credible and trustworthy. But who has time to really check it out?
The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to place further restrictions on air quality standards would damage agriculture and rural communities, if implemented.
The move to tighten already strict ozone standards would impose significant costs to farmers and ranchers without delivering a guaranteed benefit to the public. Although it is a relatively small contributor to ozone levels, agriculture would be hit hard.
Basic farming activities such as animal feeding, pesticide application and waste management would be further restricted, even as proposed limits are at or near naturally occurring levels in some areas. Higher costs to meet special requirements for vehicles and fuel would be passed on to farmers and ranchers who depend on affordable energy to stay competitive in the global economy.
The hardship to area farmers and ranchers, and to all of rural America, will be real and immediate, while the benefits are unverified and uncertain. Even some of Texas’ most pristine national parks would not be able to comply with the new standards.
The solution: EPA must retain the current National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone and maintain the current standard of 75 parts per billion.
Since 1980, ozone-forming emissions have already been cut in half, and average ozone concentrations have dropped by 33 percent over the same period. Agriculture is doing its part to reduce emissions. For example, farmers are using more energy efficient and lower-emission engines on farm equipment to grow our food and fiber.
As ozone standards are ratcheted down closer to levels that exist naturally, more farmers and ranchers will be forced to abide by restrictions on equipment use and land management, making it harder to stay in business.
Agriculture is a critical cog in our state’s economy. In Nueces County alone, where I farm, the annual market value of farm and ranch products sold is nearly $85 million.
EPA’s own estimates show that a new ozone rule could cost tens of billions of dollars per year, and independent estimates indicate that the costs will likely be much higher, putting millions of jobs at risk. A new ozone rule has the potential to be the most costly regulation in our nation’s history.