Bill > S1466

This bill establishes a process for the Secretary of Agriculture to review proposed rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator that could significantly impact agricultural entities, which are defined as businesses involved in food and fiber production, ranching, aquaculture, and other farming-related activities. The Secretary will review notices of upcoming EPA regulations published in the Federal Register, including those in the EPA's regulatory agenda or plans developed under executive orders like Executive Order 12866 (which deals with regulatory planning and review). If the Secretary believes a proposed rule might significantly affect agricultural entities, they will gather information from the EPA, create an economic impact statement detailing potential costs to these entities, identify representatives from affected agricultural businesses to get their advice, and convene a review panel. This panel, composed of the Secretary, Department of Agriculture employees, and invited EPA or Office of Management and Budget (OMB) officials, will analyze the proposed rule, collect feedback from agricultural representatives, and make recommendations to the Secretary. Within 60 days of convening the panel, the Secretary will submit formal comments to the EPA Administrator, including a report on agricultural concerns, the panel's findings, and the Secretary's own recommendations, which will also be published in the Federal Register and made publicly available. The Secretary can waive the review panel process if deemed appropriate.