Ben Tindall, Executive Director of Save Family Farming, issued the following statement demanding accountability from Trump EPA Administrator nominee, former US Rep. Lee Zeldin, saying immediate action will be needed to stop EPA Region 10’s assault on family farming:
“Should he be confirmed as the next US Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Rep. Zeldin must immediately rein in EPA Region 10’s abuse of power and establish a regulatory environment that respects the vital role of agriculture for our nation’s economy and food security.
“For too long, EPA Region 10 has engaged in what we can only describe as regulatory terrorism against Washington state farmers, wielding disproportionate and aggressive enforcement that has pushed family farms to the brink and, in many cases, into extinction. This cannot be allowed to continue.
“The farming families of Washington deserve nothing less than immediate relief and a fair playing field. Save Family Farming is prepared to hold the new administration accountable and will actively advocate for the aggressive reforms necessary to protect family farmers from the EPA’s current persecution.
“Zeldin has made bold commitments to rolling back the crushing regulations that have left American businesses, especially family farms, struggling for survival. While the initial words sound nice, words are not going to save the hardworking farmers throughout our state who are fighting against outrageous attacks from radically activist bureaucrats who are not guided by law but by their own fringe agendas. We need to see more than words, we need action, and that’s what Save Family Farming will be expecting from the next EPA Administrator and new EPA leadership.
“Our farmers are ready for change, and we will fight to ensure their voices are heard.”