JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Governor Eric Greitens is being praised from agricultural organizations across the state for his comments to the Environmental Protection Agency.
His comments concern the EPA’s proposed federal rule, “Water Quality Standards for the State of Missouri’s Lakes and Reservoirs.”
Leaders from several organizations issued statements on the Governor’s comments.
“Governor Greitens is absolutely correct in seeking a Missouri solution on this issue. This is simply a request for commonsense and science to prevail over environmental extremism,” said Blake Hurst, Missouri Farm Bureau President.
“This is an example of Missourians coming together to find a solution that works for our state. Governor Greitens and his team, including the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Director Comer, have rolled up their sleeves and gotten to work with us on addressing these overburdensome Obama-era regulations and proposals. We anticipate this being the first of many steps rolling back burdensome regulations affecting not only Missouri farmers, but all Missourians. We appreciate this sign of partnership, and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the EPA approves this Missouri plan – saving Missourians millions of dollars,” said Gary Wheeler, Executive Director of the Missouri Soybean Association.
“The Missouri Corn Growers Association applauds the hard work of Gov. Greitens and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for crafting a rule that fits our state,” says Kyle Kirby, Missouri Corn Growers Association president and corn farmer from Barton County. “Missouri has developed a plan using state-specific data. EPA needs to recognize this Missouri rule is the best option for our state, our citizens and our farmers.”
“The Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities applauds Governor Eric Greitens’ call today for the U.S. EPA to stand down on its one-size-fits-all regulations that establish nutrient criteria for Missouri’s lakes and reservoirs. Instead, the Governor is recommending an approach that achieves the goal without overburdensome costs to utility ratepayers – an approach supported by more than 20 years of Missouri-specific data. Missouri’s municipal utilities join Governor Greitens in urging the EPA to adopt Missouri’s rule to protect our state’s waters,” said Ewell Lawson, spokesman for the Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities.
“Missourians can protect our own resources. Not only is the science that underpins the more costly rule wrong, it would hurt hundreds of thousands of Missouri families,” Don Nikodim, Missouri Pork Association Executive Director, said.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
