Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) strongly support the bipartisan Regulatory Accountability Act. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota) introduced the Senate version of HR 5, which would require the federal agencies to issue the most “cost-effective” rules necessary to accomplish their goals.
“Texas Farm Bureau strongly supports the Regulatory Accountability Act, which injects more integrity in the federal regulatory process,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “Unfortunately, farmers and ranchers are saddled with government regulations hindering their ability to grow crops, raise livestock and tend to their land. We are pleased this legislation will help give farming and ranching families more involvement in the rule making process. TFB looks forward to working with Congressional leaders to act promptly on securing passage of this legislation.”
AFBF President Zippy Duvall echoed those sentiments.
“This bipartisan effort is one that should be welcomed by all stakeholders—farmers, ranchers, policy makers, state officials, environmentalists, scientists—anyone who wants a system that is open, transparent and fair and who recognizes the current system fails to live up to our expectations,” Duvall said in a statement.
Duvall noted that “facts and figures” should be available for everyone to evaluate when agencies use economic or scientific data.
The Regulatory Accountability Act would require federal agencies to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before issuing a new rule. They must then issue what is determined to be the most “cost-effective” rule.
“When the government proposes rules, we should all have ample opportunity to evaluate and comment on the proposals,” Duvall said. “All too often, this doesn’t happen. Agencies must engage in greater outreach and do so sooner in the process. Increased transparency and disclosure can only help to instill greater confidence in the system.”
“This amendment is an important improvement to the Regulatory Accountability Act and we strongly support it,” Duvall said.
He said presidents of both parties have “enunciated principles found in this bill” over the past 40 years.
“We support this legislative reform and will be working with senators on both sides of the aisle in pressing for its early consideration,” Duvall said.
To read the entire Act, click here.