Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy released the following statement regarding House passage of the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act (H.R. 1633):

"Family farmers and ranchers are the backbone of many of our communities across this country, including my own in the California Central Valley. Our communities are already hard hit by the current economic climate and Washington regulations are an added burden costing businesses time and money they don't have. It is ridiculous that Washington bureaucrats are focused on policing dust particles from family farms when more than thirteen million Americans can't find a job. Most states and localities already regulate farm dust while protecting air quality, making the EPA's decision completely unnecessary. Time and time again, this Administration has shown just how misplaced their priorities really are.

"This bill will prevent the implementation of the EPA's overly burdensome farm dust regulation where state and local regulations are already in place. Local governments are far better equipped to handle regulating dust, and are much more knowledgeable and sensitive toward their communities' specific needs."