Ag Air Quality Task Force Tackles New Rules

The USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force held its second quarterly meeting in Monterrey, California, this month to get a first hand look at California’s agricultural industry and air quality concerns. Since its formation in 1996, the task force has been active in tackling ag-air quality issues and concerns throughout the Nation. Represented were NRCS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, environmental interest groups, ag-industry representatives, and the public — gathering to discuss national air quality issues and form recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture. The task force looked at SB 700 legislation that has removed the agricultural exemption from air quality regulation necessitating additional conservation measures to reduce emissions. The task force agreed that science will play a crucial role in supporting conservation measures to improve air quality.