National Ag Day: EPA Works to Restore Regulatory Balance Between Agricultural and Environmental Priorities

EPA Administrator Scott Mason shares updates on farm equipment regulations, regional accomplishments, and federal efforts supporting agriculture in honor of National Ag Day.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — On National Ag Day, federal officials from departments like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are highlighting recent efforts to balance sustainability and environmental goals with regulatory policy that actually supports farmers and ranchers across the country — rather than creating barriers.

EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report in honor of National Ag Day to discuss regulatory updates and initiatives benefiting agriculture.

In his interview with RFD News, Mason addressed the EPA’s reaffirmation of farmers’ and equipment owners’ right to repair their farm and non-road diesel equipment, emphasizing the benefits for both producers and the agricultural sector as a whole. He also reviewed updates to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) guidelines, explaining how safety measures are now in place with manufacturers while maintaining compliance with emissions rules.

Mason spoke about upcoming regulatory changes that farmers may not yet be aware of and highlighted accomplishments across the South-Central region. He also touched on the White House’s upcoming meeting with farmers and biofuel producers and noted speculation about potential announcements regarding biofuel blending mandates.

Finally, Mason reflected on the importance of National Ag Day, recognizing the hard work and dedication of America’s farmers and ranchers.

Related Stories
Fred Nichols, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Huma, joined us with a sneak peek at Commodity Classic next week in San Antonio, Texas.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Bayer’s Monsanto announces $7.25B class settlement for Roundup™ lawsuits alleging Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), covering claims over 21 years.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Brooks York of AgriSompo discusses projected prices and how farmers are adapting their crop insurance strategies as the price discovery period comes to a close.
FFA Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank talks about the importance of community service and how National FFA Organization members are making a difference in their communities during National FFA Week.
Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
Fed cattle numbers are down two percent in February, according to the latest USDA report. Marketings fell 13 percent, signaling continued pressure on beef prices in 2026.
Galynn Beer of Tidal Grow Agri-Science joined us to discuss challenges in fertility management, the benefits of Align-N, and what growers can expect at Commodity Classic next week.
Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.