Following a significant visit with Scott Mason, the 14th regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) South Central Region, Oklahoma Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur shared her insights on the crucial dialogue that unfolded with Oklahoma agricultural producers. The meeting, which took place in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, marked a vital opportunity for direct engagement between federal regulators and the state’s farming and ranching community.
Secretary Arthur expressed deep appreciation for Administrator Mason’s willingness to come to Oklahoma and engage directly with the state’s producers. “We were really appreciative that the administrator made time to come to Oklahoma and sit down and talk to our ag producers,” Arthur stated, highlighting the rare opportunity for such a candid exchange.
The conversation, as summarized by Secretary Arthur, encompassed a wide range of opinions and concerns regarding EPA actions and opportunities for improvement. Key issues brought forth by producers included:
- Water Regulations: A persistent and significant concern for the agricultural sector, water regulations continue to be a major focus.
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): Secretary Arthur noted the practical challenges faced by anyone driving a diesel pickup or tractor, with DEF issues posing a considerable burden for producers, even if the topic hasn’t “risen to the level of D.C.”
- CAFO Regulations: The regulatory framework surrounding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations also featured prominently in the discussions.
A clear message emerged from the producers: a desire to comply with regulations, provided they are “common sense.” Secretary Arthur emphasized this point, stating, “I think overall what we heard is that farmers and ranchers want to comply with the regulations, but they need to be common sense.” She believes that the presence of Administrator Mason and other Region 6 representatives in Oklahoma demonstrates a genuine willingness to listen and make necessary improvements.
Secretary Arthur underscored the profound importance of having Oklahomans like Scott Mason in key federal roles. Mason, a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Cordell, brings invaluable firsthand experience to his position. “I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for Oklahoma,” Arthur remarked, pointing out that not only is Mason a regional administrator, but other Oklahomans also hold high-level positions within the USDA.
The presence of “common sense people who understand the function of government and certainly understand the function of regulatory agencies” is seen by Secretary Arthur as a unique advantage for Oklahoma. She believes these individuals, who “know what it’s like to be a farmer or rancher in the state of Oklahoma,” can help balance agricultural productivity with the nuances of regulatory oversight. “Having those voices to really listen to, and farmers are great at finding solutions. We have to do that every single day,” she asserted, highlighting the proactive nature of producers in finding solutions.
Secretary Arthur reflected on the historical challenges of dealing with the EPA under previous administrations, emphasizing why meetings like this are so crucial. “This meeting is incredibly important,” she stated, noting the unprecedented nature of an EPA administrator openly soliciting feedback from farmers and ranchers. “I don’t know that anyone at EPA in the past would’ve been brave enough to sit down in an open forum with farmers and ranchers and ask, ‘Hey, what’s on your mind? What can we help fix? What can we make better?”
The fact that both the EPA Administrator and the Regional Administrator were in Oklahoma within the first hundred days of the administration is, according to Secretary Arthur and seasoned agency staff, virtually unheard of. This willingness to leave the confines of offices in D.C. or Dallas and engage directly with those making a living in agriculture signals a genuine commitment to improvement from the current administration.
Looking ahead, Secretary Arthur outlined the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture’s plans for the summer. With the legislative session wrapping up, she expressed gratitude to the Oklahoma State Legislature and Governor Stitt for their strong support of the agriculture industry. The ODA will be busy reviewing applications for the Ag Youth Council and will focus on extensive outreach across the state. This includes “Ag in the Classroom” tours for teachers and continued engagement from the market development team, all aimed at supporting Oklahoma’s diverse agricultural sector.
