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
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
The White House is now preparing to restore an Endangered Species Act (ESA) rule from the first Trump Administration.

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:

With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg told RFD-TV News that we can only guess what Congress will do down the road. Still, the USDA recognizes its responsibility to spend resources efficiently and effectively.
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.