Elizabeth Daniels, office of Rep. Newhouse (R-WA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 17, Rep. Newhouse (R-WA) released the following
statement after Michael Crowder, President-elect of the National
Association of Conservation Districts and General Manager of Barker
Ranch in West Richland, was appointed to the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities
“Decisions from EPA have significant impacts on the rural communities
and agriculture industry of Central Washington,” said Rep. Newhouse.
“Michael Crowder has a unique and extensive understanding of how
farmers, ranchers, and other conservationists in our district have
been making strides for clean air and water, effective land use, and
an overall healthier environment. I am proud he will be representing
the voices of Central Washington, and I applaud Administrator Wheeler
for reinvigorating this important Committee for rural areas across our
country.”
Michael Crowder was recommended by Rep. Newhouse to serve on the
FRRCC. Established in 2008, the FRRCC provides independent policy
advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a
range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to
agriculture and rural communities.
“The EPA makes important decisions and regulations to protect our
natural resources, and - as the original conservationists - farmers,
ranchers, and rural communities deserve a seat at the table,” said
Michael Crowder. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on this
Committee, and I look forward to working with Administrator Wheeler
and the other Committee members to ensure that Washington’s
communities are well-represented.”
“One of my priorities for EPA has been to restore trust for our agency
among agricultural stakeholders and rural communities,” said EPA
Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “President Trump has been clear about
the Administration’s commitment to agriculture and rural America, and
as part of that commitment, I am excited to reinstate the Farm, Ranch,
and Rural Communities Committee in 2020 with full membership. This
committee will provide valuable input on how EPA’s decisions impact
rural America, and I look forward to receiving the committee’s
recommendations.”
Background:
To build a broad and balanced representation of perspectives for the
FRRCC, EPA selected 33 members to represent a variety of relevant
sectors from across the U.S., including agricultural stakeholders and
allied industries; academia; state, local, and tribal government; and
nongovernmental organizations. In selecting committee members, EPA
reviewed the quality of applications received between November 7 and
December 31, 2019 for nearly 150 nominations, and considered
qualifications such as: whether candidates have experience in
agricultural issues of relevance to EPA programs, are actively engaged
in agricultural production, have related leadership experience,
demonstrated ability to examine and analyze complex environmental
issues with objectivity and integrity, have experience working on
issues where building consensus is necessary, and are able to
volunteer time to the committee’s activities.
The committee had no current members at the time of solicitation;
therefore, these 33 nominees will constitute a brand new committee,
and will each serve two or three year terms beginning on June 15,
2020. The new members of the FRRCC hail from twenty-four states and
one territory in all ten U.S. EPA Regions, with six of the Members
working in multiple states or at a national capacity. The Committee
expects to meet approximately twice a year beginning in late Summer of
2020.
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