Rep. Frank Lucas (OK), Rep. Sam Graves (MO), and Rep. Doc Hastings (WA), co-chairs of the Rural America Solutions Group, will host a forum to discuss Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and initiatives that are hindering job creation and economic expansion in America’s rural communities. The forum, entitled “The EPA’s Assault on Rural America: How New Regulations and Proposed Legislation are Stifling Job Creation and Economic Growth,” will take place tomorrow at 2 p.m. EST.
The Co-Chairs will lead a panel discussion on a range of EPA proposals and related legislation, including carbon dioxide restrictions, the Clean Water Act, farm dust regulations, hydraulic fracturing and more. Experts from across the country have been invited to Washington, D.C. to discuss how these EPA regulations are impacting the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers and small businesses throughout rural America.
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and other GOPers started the group in April of 2009 which will focus on job creation and economic opportunities in rural areas. From the announcement, via Speaker Boehner:
“Families, small businesses, and farmers in rural areas are struggling and this group will work to provide positive solutions to help farming and agricultural communities across the nation hit hard by this recession,” said Boehner. “My district contains the two largest agricultural counties in Ohio and since my election in 1990, I’ve remained committed to fighting on behalf of families, farmers and small business owners in rural areas. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming weeks to develop solutions that will ease the strain on rural America.”
Members of the group are:
- Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) – Co-Chair
- Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) – Co-Chair
- Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) – Co-Chair
- Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)
- Rep. Henry Brown (R-SC)
- Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)
- Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX
- Rep. Steve King (R-IA)
- Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA)
- Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
- Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
- Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA)
- Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL)
- Rep. George Radonovich (R-CA)
- Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN)
- Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)
“As a farmer and a small businessman, I know the importance of rural America to our country. No matter where you live, we all want the same things- good-paying jobs, a solid education and access to quality healthcare,” said Small Business Committee Ranking Republican Sam Graves (R-MO). “However the solutions to those problems in rural America are unique. I am excited to begin our work on finding solutions.”
One can watch it live, on Wednesday Sept. 29 at 2pm here.


