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
Luke McCrea says his experiences in FFA and 4-H helped shape both his leadership skills and future career goals.
Trucking industry expert Lewie Pugh joins us to discuss rising diesel costs, challenges facing independent truckers, and the broader impact on agriculture and rural transportation.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Trump/Xi summit, what the negotiations could mean for U.S. agriculture, and
trade enforcement concerns.
Huma Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Fred Nichols joins us to discuss rising interest in carbon-based products, soil health strategies, and fertilizer cost concerns.
Current estimates indicate the federal government could be forced to return more than $150 billion to importers.
Balancing Regulatory Compliance and Economic Viability

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:

What does Splenda have to do with farming? Sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia are plant-based — so they are just not sugar, but are comprised of those other plants also grown on farms.
Where the Food Comes From producer Donna Sanders takes us along on a behind-the-scenes look at filming the show’s newest episode, “Clemson Blue,” where university cheesemakers reveal how they put the “blue” in their award-winning blue cheese.
It is in there, the mold — those rich blue veins in creamy blue cheese that make you either love it or loathe it — but how does it get there? This bonus scene from “Clemson Dairy,” Season 4, Episode 4 of Where the Food Comes From, explains how and why that happens.
No, it is not some new college course — Clemson has been making blue cheese since 1941, and the product has developed a worldwide following and won some pretty big awards. With good reason — it is fantastic stuff. It is also fascinating to see how it is made. Check out this sneak peek look at the latest episode of Where the Food Comes From, “Clemson Blue.”
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.