Head of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency visits Iowa

ALTOONA, Iowa -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin visited central Iowa Sunday, touring a local manufacturing facility and addressing questions about federal regulations, renewable fuels and water quality.

Zeldin toured Summit Products in Altoona, where he got a firsthand look at the company's manufacturing operations. He heard from business leaders about the impact of federal policies on the automotive industry, where emissions regulations can influence how products are developed and sold.

Industry representatives say direct conversations with federal regulators are important for small businesses navigating those requirements.

"We feel honored to have government servants who are willing to listen to the challenges, the thoughts, the concerns of small businesses," said Eric Snyder, senior director of federal government affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

Beyond the manufacturing tour, Zeldin addressed one of the biggest issues facing Iowa's agricultural industry.

Four members of Iowa's congressional delegation, including Reps. Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Randy Feenstra and Zach Nunn recently joined a bipartisan effort urging the EPA to protect the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The federal policy requires certain amounts of renewable fuels to be used in the nation's transportation fuel supply.

However, some small oil refineries have received exemptions from those requirements. Lawmakers want the EPA to reallocate the exempted volumes, helping protect demand for Iowa-grown agricultural products used to make the fuels.

Lawmakers are calling on the EPA to issue a proposal this week to provide certainty for biofuel producers.

"We will stick to that pledge that we made in August to propose that 100% reallocation," Zeldin said. Zeldin indicated the proposal would come before the end of October.

He also received questions about nitrate pollution in central Iowa communities, which have faced challenges managing elevated levels in their water supplies.

When asked about those concerns, Zeldin emphasized the importance of cooperation between federal, state and local governments in addressing water quality issues.

He said the EPA is reviewing Iowa's list of impaired waterways, which identifies rivers and other bodies of water that do not meet water quality standards.

"That partnership is key. I do not feel like our agency is or should be in conflict with the state of Iowa and the people of Iowa," Zeldin said. "We believe that a state and local community knows their water better than anyone who is sitting behind a desk in Washington, DC.”

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