U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, co-sponsored a bill introduced this week targeting federal requirements that farmers and ranchers get a permit to use pesticides in or near navigable waters.
Agriculture plays a significant role in Colorados economy and in the 3rd (Congressional) District, Tipton said in a prepared statement. We must stop this unnecessary regulation that will hurt small business and potentially cost valuable agriculture jobs.
According to information from Tiptons office, Colorados agriculture and food industry contributes as much as $25 billion annually to the states economy, and supports more than 108,000 jobs. The bipartisan House Resolution 872, which was introduced in the House on Thursday, eliminates an additional permit required as a result of the court decision of National Cotton Council v. the Environmental Protection Agency in 2006, ruling in favor of the EPA on the issue.
Tipton serves on the Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry of the House Agriculture Committee and is a member of the Beef Caucus, Dairy Caucus and Rural Health care Caucus.
Reach Reid Wright at reidw@cortezjournal.com.