Over the past couple years, Texas has been battling the EPA over its policies that seem to be based more on political science and less on sound science. All of you who have been helping fight this battle should be comforted to know that more help is on the way.
I just read in a recent Agri-Pulse Newsletter the following:
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Commerce Committee, lists “suspending EPA’s greenhouse gas regulations” as one of his top priorities. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) plans to introduce similar legislation. The Rockefeller bill is mirrored in the House by H.R.199, introduced last week by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Congressman Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, is cosponsoring legislation to withdraw EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases.
Those who support the EPA’s far-reaching methods have tried to paint our opposition as partisan positioning. It is refreshing to see such a bi-partisan group taking steps toward common ground. With the recent changes in the congressional make-up, I am more hopeful than ever our country can get back to a science-based approach to protecting our air and growing our jobs.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Can the EPA Unite Republicans and Democrats?
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a great deal of time calling attention to the absurd actions and attitudes of the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA’s track record of policy implementation continues to be detrimental to production agriculture. The high costs to the American taxpayer of these seemingly endless mandates are evident – while the benefits to that citizen are obscure at best.
I have formally expressed the concerns of Texans and requested relief in many areas from the administrator of the EPA, members of congress and the president. I also have joined other Texas officials and those from around the nation in asking the courts to intervene. The challenge is not over and I remain committed to using common sense policies and sound science as the best guidance in making decisions to protect and improve the environment.
I know some may think my objections are based on my party affiliation, but this is clearly one case where political agendas should take a back seat to the common good. For the skeptics out there, I thought I would share this excerpt from the Jan. 6, 2011 Agri-pulse Newsletter, which recounts an interview with outgoing House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson (D-Minn.).
Maybe Peterson is right. As unintended as it might be, the EPA may just unite Republicans and Democrats like never before. For the sake of our jobs, economy, food production, food security and our future, let's hope so.
I have formally expressed the concerns of Texans and requested relief in many areas from the administrator of the EPA, members of congress and the president. I also have joined other Texas officials and those from around the nation in asking the courts to intervene. The challenge is not over and I remain committed to using common sense policies and sound science as the best guidance in making decisions to protect and improve the environment.
I know some may think my objections are based on my party affiliation, but this is clearly one case where political agendas should take a back seat to the common good. For the skeptics out there, I thought I would share this excerpt from the Jan. 6, 2011 Agri-pulse Newsletter, which recounts an interview with outgoing House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson (D-Minn.).
One area where Peterson expects Republicans and Democrats to cooperate is in oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). His staff is developing a paper that will outline ideas for getting the agency under control. “The EPA is totally out of control in my opinion, and they have caused all kinds of problems in the Chesapeake Bay with the way they’ve approached this (water pollution proposal).” Peterson insists the agency mandates suggest, “a bunch of ideological people taking an approach that you’re going to punish people instead of try to work with them. In agriculture that never works, so you’ve got to find a way to work with farmers and fit into their operation. There are a lot of areas in the EPA that they need to be reined in big time.”
Maybe Peterson is right. As unintended as it might be, the EPA may just unite Republicans and Democrats like never before. For the sake of our jobs, economy, food production, food security and our future, let's hope so.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Eminent Domain Takes Priority as Legislature Convenes
Today, Gov. Perry issued a proclamation placing eminent domain as an emergency agenda item for this session of the legislature. This means both chambers can take quick action on this critical matter early in the process.
This is a solid step forward in a long-fought battle to provide private property owners the protections they need from abusive use of eminent domain. We can all agree that roads must be built, pipelines must be laid and wastewater plants must be constructed.
What we can’t lose sight of is the fact that the rights of private property owners are guaranteed by both the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, and must be considered at the front end of growth and not as an afterthought. SB 18 by Sen. Craig Estes and HB 279 by Rep. Charlie Geren are two good examples of eminent domain reform legislation that needs to be passed and signed into law.
By passing Proposition 11 in 2009, Texas voters told lawmakers that our state needs to do more to protect the rights of private property owners. For years, I've promoted measures that would level the playing field for landowners by requiring condemning entities to be more open in the negotiation process, creating a standard for estimating the true harm to landowners and ensuring acquisitions occur for a real and direct public purpose.
Key components of eminent domain reform are:
This is a solid step forward in a long-fought battle to provide private property owners the protections they need from abusive use of eminent domain. We can all agree that roads must be built, pipelines must be laid and wastewater plants must be constructed.
What we can’t lose sight of is the fact that the rights of private property owners are guaranteed by both the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, and must be considered at the front end of growth and not as an afterthought. SB 18 by Sen. Craig Estes and HB 279 by Rep. Charlie Geren are two good examples of eminent domain reform legislation that needs to be passed and signed into law.
By passing Proposition 11 in 2009, Texas voters told lawmakers that our state needs to do more to protect the rights of private property owners. For years, I've promoted measures that would level the playing field for landowners by requiring condemning entities to be more open in the negotiation process, creating a standard for estimating the true harm to landowners and ensuring acquisitions occur for a real and direct public purpose.
Key components of eminent domain reform are:
- Ensuring condemning entities negotiate with property owners in good faith and present a bona fide offer;
- Requiring entities utilizing eminent domain to provide landowners just compensation for injuries, including diminished access;
- Providing a buy-back provision so property owners may purchase condemned land if it is not used for the named public purpose within 10 years of the taking; and
- Clarifying, in statute, the definition of “public use” to ensure eminent domain authority is only exercised for the public good and not for economic development projects or enhancing tax revenues.
Rebuilding Trade Relations
Last week, I was pleased to report the progress being made on bringing the United States back into compliance with a trade agreement signed into law in 1993. The introduction of a new cross-border trucking proposal with Mexico takes a step toward rebuilding trade relations with our neighbor to the south.
In response to this U.S. proposal and as a show of goodwill toward facilitating trade between our countries, Mexico has since announced it will suspend the rotation of products being placed on the retaliatory tariff list.
This good news comes just days after the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced a new proposal that would again allow Mexican carriers to enter the United States. Obviously, this is great news for our farmers, ranchers and economy. It also bodes well for future trade relations with our closest neighbor, and for that I am thankful. However, during the duration of negotiations, the products currently on the retaliatory list will continue to be subject to additional duties in place.
To our neighbors in Mexico, I offer my gratitude and look forward to moving beyond the past so we may build a brighter future on a foundation of cooperation. I will not rest on this issue until it is finally resolved once and for all.
In response to this U.S. proposal and as a show of goodwill toward facilitating trade between our countries, Mexico has since announced it will suspend the rotation of products being placed on the retaliatory tariff list.
This good news comes just days after the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced a new proposal that would again allow Mexican carriers to enter the United States. Obviously, this is great news for our farmers, ranchers and economy. It also bodes well for future trade relations with our closest neighbor, and for that I am thankful. However, during the duration of negotiations, the products currently on the retaliatory list will continue to be subject to additional duties in place.
To our neighbors in Mexico, I offer my gratitude and look forward to moving beyond the past so we may build a brighter future on a foundation of cooperation. I will not rest on this issue until it is finally resolved once and for all.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Finally – One Step Closer to Ending Unnecessary Mexican Tariffs on U.S. Agricultural Products
Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation introduced a new proposal that would allow Mexican carriers, or long-haul trucks, into the United States in an attempt to come current on a deal the U.S. and Mexico signed in 1993. While long overdue, this action is a critical step toward ending the unnecessary tariffs Mexico has placed on U.S. agricultural products as a means of retaliation after the U.S. terminated the first Cross Border Trucking Pilot Program more than a year ago.
The Lone Star State exports billions of dollars each year worth of food, fiber and other goods across its borders to countries that depend on these Texas-made products. This is why back in 2009 I urged our federal government to find a quick resolution to this dispute. Although today’s announcement comes more than a year after Mexico imposed its retaliatory tariffs, we can only hope our southern trading partner will receive the plan well and immediately lift these unnecessary sanctions.
Our farmers and ranchers face enough challenges, from unpredictable weather to ever changing and growing regulatory policies from Washington. The last thing they need is another unnecessary obstacle. I look forward to the two sides agreeing on a solution so Texans can get back to doing what we do best – providing the world with the finest quality agricultural products.
The Lone Star State exports billions of dollars each year worth of food, fiber and other goods across its borders to countries that depend on these Texas-made products. This is why back in 2009 I urged our federal government to find a quick resolution to this dispute. Although today’s announcement comes more than a year after Mexico imposed its retaliatory tariffs, we can only hope our southern trading partner will receive the plan well and immediately lift these unnecessary sanctions.
Our farmers and ranchers face enough challenges, from unpredictable weather to ever changing and growing regulatory policies from Washington. The last thing they need is another unnecessary obstacle. I look forward to the two sides agreeing on a solution so Texans can get back to doing what we do best – providing the world with the finest quality agricultural products.
Starting A New Term
I was humbled, proud and privileged this week to be sworn into office for a second term as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. I’d like to thank my family, friends and colleagues who attended the ceremony and also extend my gratitude to Texans who believe in our mission and have blessed me with the ability to serve another four years. Thanks also to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker of the House Joe Straus who presided over the ceremony, and to Sec. of State Hope Andrade who administered the oath of office.
During the next fours years, I look forward to building on the progress of the past and embracing the partnerships that will lead us into the future. Ensuring Texas remains a national leader in agriculture, job creation and economic recovery is a responsibility I take seriously. I pledge to work with state and federal partners to limit government encroachment; protect the rights of private property owners; and safeguard our domestic sources of food and fiber so that we do not become dependent on foreign countries.
With your support, we will grow Texas agriculture and our economy while continuing to be a powerhouse of productivity. It’s an honor to serve you and the great state of Texas.
Here’s a short clip of the ceremony.
During the next fours years, I look forward to building on the progress of the past and embracing the partnerships that will lead us into the future. Ensuring Texas remains a national leader in agriculture, job creation and economic recovery is a responsibility I take seriously. I pledge to work with state and federal partners to limit government encroachment; protect the rights of private property owners; and safeguard our domestic sources of food and fiber so that we do not become dependent on foreign countries.
With your support, we will grow Texas agriculture and our economy while continuing to be a powerhouse of productivity. It’s an honor to serve you and the great state of Texas.
Here’s a short clip of the ceremony.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
EPA's Proposed Green House Gas Rules Will Cap Competitiveness, Move Jobs Oversees
Over the holidays, EPA delivered the gift of more regulation and higher costs to Texans by issuing proposed rules for the federal implementation of their dubious greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations in the Lone Star State.
This proposed federal implementation plan most assuredly lowers our country’s competitiveness by imposing costs that businesses will not be able to justify, thereby creating artificial barriers to production not required by some of our most fierce rival countries. Giving a competitive advantage to these other countries means we will be exporting our jobs abroad rather than our products.
Of note in the implementation plan are the listed entities that will be potentially “impacted” by these new rules. The list is quite expansive and includes electricity production and chemical manufacturers, just to name a few.
Strategically not mentioned is production agriculture. You see, in an attempt to curb uprising from the public, EPA has narrowed its reach, scaling back its originally proposed GHG regulatory scheme to specifically omit agriculture production. However, what these overzealous regulators fail to comprehend is that producers of food and fiber (as well as all consumers) rely on the targeted industries. This means that while not directly impacted today, all of the costs associated with producing food are certain to rise, thus increasing the cost of food for you and the rest of America.
Something else to consider – EPA took the action to implement these rules when Congress could not do so. The leaders of the recently adjourned Congress could not muster the votes to pass GHG regulation because its members knew what the American people know – you can’t negotiate with yourself and expect to win.
We all agree we must be good stewards of the environment. But the greenhouse gas regulations EPA is implementing will lead to certain costs while chasing obscure benefits.
This proposed federal implementation plan most assuredly lowers our country’s competitiveness by imposing costs that businesses will not be able to justify, thereby creating artificial barriers to production not required by some of our most fierce rival countries. Giving a competitive advantage to these other countries means we will be exporting our jobs abroad rather than our products.
Of note in the implementation plan are the listed entities that will be potentially “impacted” by these new rules. The list is quite expansive and includes electricity production and chemical manufacturers, just to name a few.
Strategically not mentioned is production agriculture. You see, in an attempt to curb uprising from the public, EPA has narrowed its reach, scaling back its originally proposed GHG regulatory scheme to specifically omit agriculture production. However, what these overzealous regulators fail to comprehend is that producers of food and fiber (as well as all consumers) rely on the targeted industries. This means that while not directly impacted today, all of the costs associated with producing food are certain to rise, thus increasing the cost of food for you and the rest of America.
Something else to consider – EPA took the action to implement these rules when Congress could not do so. The leaders of the recently adjourned Congress could not muster the votes to pass GHG regulation because its members knew what the American people know – you can’t negotiate with yourself and expect to win.
We all agree we must be good stewards of the environment. But the greenhouse gas regulations EPA is implementing will lead to certain costs while chasing obscure benefits.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
For Big Changes in 2011, Resolve to Start Small
A brand new year is always a time to reflect on what improvements we want to make in our lives. Most of us have no problem making a list of New Year’s resolutions, but what often trips us up is biting off more than we can chew when we resolve to follow through on those life changes.
This year, instead of attempting to go to the gym five days a week, why not take the stairs each day instead of the elevator and ease your way into the gym. And instead of cutting out all unhealthy snacks, try to drink more water and eat more fresh fruit.
Maybe your goal for 2011 is to help others. Hospitals, libraries, schools and community organizations need volunteers on a regular basis. For just a few hours a week you could really make a difference in the lives of others. Why not just resolve to help out once? Maybe if you have a good experience you will then want to make a more regular commitment.
Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are, just remember that consistent, small changes each day will result in an overall improvement in your life that you can be proud of one year from now.
Happy New Year!
This year, instead of attempting to go to the gym five days a week, why not take the stairs each day instead of the elevator and ease your way into the gym. And instead of cutting out all unhealthy snacks, try to drink more water and eat more fresh fruit.
Maybe your goal for 2011 is to help others. Hospitals, libraries, schools and community organizations need volunteers on a regular basis. For just a few hours a week you could really make a difference in the lives of others. Why not just resolve to help out once? Maybe if you have a good experience you will then want to make a more regular commitment.
Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are, just remember that consistent, small changes each day will result in an overall improvement in your life that you can be proud of one year from now.
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Finding the right activity for your child is important
You hear it time and time again – Texas is battling a growing obesity crisis. This is a fact most of us understand.
Similarly, most of us know what foods are nutritious and which aren’t. But many parents may not know what types of physical activities their children should participate in and how often.
This article does a great job outlining doctor-approved guidelines for keeping your children active. I encourage parents to take a look and try to incorporate some of these fun activities into their kids’ daily routines.
Remember, it takes more than just eating healthy to live a healthy life. It takes the 3E’s – Education, Exercise and Eating Right – to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Similarly, most of us know what foods are nutritious and which aren’t. But many parents may not know what types of physical activities their children should participate in and how often.
This article does a great job outlining doctor-approved guidelines for keeping your children active. I encourage parents to take a look and try to incorporate some of these fun activities into their kids’ daily routines.
Remember, it takes more than just eating healthy to live a healthy life. It takes the 3E’s – Education, Exercise and Eating Right – to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Give Beyond Christmas
Christmas always makes me count my blessings and I hope it does the same for you. This time of year, we should all be reminded that giving is more than just wrapping presents for friends and family. Giving is something we can offer our fellow Texans in the form of donations, time and goodwill.
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, I ask you to consider reaching out to others. Take your children to a food bank donation box and teach them the power of giving. Give your time to a shelter and help serve meals to the hungry. Look through your closets and consider donating your gently used clothes to someone who needs them far worse than you.
Small, simple acts of giving can make a profound difference in the lives of others. You, too, will receive the gift of knowing you helped your fellow citizens.
One of my holiday wishes this year is to have the spirit of Christmas last longer than just a few days. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we allowed the Christmas spirit to dwell within us for the other 364 days each year? It all starts with the desire to help those whose voices are often not heard. Now is your chance to bring joy to those in need.
Merry Christmas, Texas. Please share with me in the glory, the wonder and the miracle of this holiday season. Have a blessed Christmas.
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, I ask you to consider reaching out to others. Take your children to a food bank donation box and teach them the power of giving. Give your time to a shelter and help serve meals to the hungry. Look through your closets and consider donating your gently used clothes to someone who needs them far worse than you.
Small, simple acts of giving can make a profound difference in the lives of others. You, too, will receive the gift of knowing you helped your fellow citizens.
One of my holiday wishes this year is to have the spirit of Christmas last longer than just a few days. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we allowed the Christmas spirit to dwell within us for the other 364 days each year? It all starts with the desire to help those whose voices are often not heard. Now is your chance to bring joy to those in need.
Merry Christmas, Texas. Please share with me in the glory, the wonder and the miracle of this holiday season. Have a blessed Christmas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)