Along with it, the agency has received some flak from farmers about potential controversial waterway rules like Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Then, there’s an argument across farm country about the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). It’s a standard which now has oversight under the EPA when it comes to the amount of biofuels blended, Renewable Identification Numbers (RINS) and potential waivers to oil companies. In addition, the agency had its share of turnover.

 

Now, the EPA has a new boss, Andrew Wheeler. He was the Acting Administrator when Former Administrator Scott Pruitt resigned amid a cloud of ethics scandals. During a one-on-one interview with AgDay host Clinton Griffiths, Wheeler says the EPA wants to have a closer relationship and open up the conversation with farmers.

 

“I think the country knows that farmers are the first line of environmental protection,” says Wheeler. “There’s no reason for the EPA and the farming agricultural community not to work closer together.”

 

The Ohio native transplanted to Washington D.C. 30 years ago. Though, he’s not shy to share his family has some background in agriculture as he says his relatives are originally from West Virginia.  He came into the role of EPA Administrator as the agency was in the middle of re-writing the controversial water WOTUS rules. It’s something he was familiar with from day one.

 

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