Request to Extend EPA Comment Period

In a letter sent to Lisa Jackson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 22 diverse agricultural groups urged the agency to further consider the consequences its Proposed Endangerment Finding would have on rural America. The American Sheep Industry Association joined in signing this letter in support of America's farm and ranch families.

The Proposed Endangerment Finding is the basis for regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through the Clean Air Act.

Given the significance of this finding, the organizations appealed to the EPA to extend the public comment period from 60 days to 120 days, the normal length of time allotted for comment. EPA has initially established June 23, 2009, as the deadline for interested parties to comment.

Ten U.S. House of Representatives' members also requested additional time for stakeholders to respond to the finding stating that "the findings will have great consequence to the U.S. economy and to businesses struggling to survive these harsh economic times."

Signing the letter were Reps. Darrell Issa (Calif.), Joe Barton (Texas), John Mica (Fla.), Ralph Hall (Texas), James Sensenbrenner (Wisc.), Doc Hastings (Wash.), Jerry Lewis (Calif.), Paul Ryan (Wisc.), Frank Lucas (Okla.) and Fred Upton (Minn.).

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