President Biden’s pick for U.S. Chief Ag Negotiator advanced to the full Senate Wednesday, while legislation to permanently block the EPA from requiring livestock emission permits got a hearing.
Doug McKalip won bipartisan support in the Senate Finance Committee to be the next ambassador for U.S. Ag trade, despite GOP objections to the president’s anti-free trade deal policy.
Top Finance Republican Mike Crapo; “I intend to support him, although I’m disappointed that the administration has not prioritized agricultural market access, including by taking too long to fill this position, I appreciate that the nominee recognizes the importance of opening foreign markets to our farmers. Moreover, Mr. McKalip has extensive experience in agricultural issues.â€
Including as current top adviser to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
McKalip testified in July he thought he could make a difference for farmers and ranchers in expanding exports.
Separately, South Dakota Senator John Thune urged Senate Environment and Public Works to endorse his Livestock Regulatory Protect Act and permanently block EPA from requiring livestock emission permits.
Thune; “I’ve long been concerned with efforts to impose onerous regulations and costly permit fees on animal emissions and the negative effect that it would have on U.S. agricultural producers’ ability to continue providing a safe and abundant food supply for our nation and the world. Regulating animal emissions could ultimately lead to higher food costs for consumers, who are already facing increased food prices.â€
American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal told Senators livestock emissions make up less than four percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to better feed and production practices, while carbon capture has cut emissions by 12 percent.