The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has opposed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s rule to establish numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus for waters in the state of Florida.
Estimates indicate that the rule will cost U.S. farmers between $272 million and $1.1 billion by 2040. “This rule has an enormous cost and little benefit and we are urging EPA to reconsider this action,” said TFI President Ford West. “We advocate smart and targeted policies that address water quality without placing an undue economic burden on farmers and the industries that support them.”
The rule goes into effect 15 months after publication, but the site-specific alternative criteria process will begin in 60 days. “While TFI appreciates the EPA’s efforts to remedy some of the arbitrary effects of its rule by delaying implementation, the fact remains that, with 12% unemployment and job recovery uncertain, this rule is a threat to many sectors of Florida’s economy, including the fertilizer industry,” said West.
