Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Preserving Rural Resources Act: Reducing Regulatory Burdens On Our Family Farmers



WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) today released a video which illustrates the need for the Preserving Rural Resources Act – a bill that Congressman Hurt introduced to curb burdensome federal over-reach on our agricultural community. Though our farmers have the greatest interest in preserving the land, they continue to be negatively impacted by the unnecessary rules and regulations placed upon them by federal agencies – including the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers. And as we have traveled the District, we have heard story after story from 5th District farmers that have detailed the need for true reforms in Washington in order to ensure that our farmers are protected from over-reach that costs them too much money and time.

There are no greater stewards of the land than those who depend on it for a living, yet Washington, D.C. insists that it knows best when it comes to agricultural activity. That is why we have introduced the Preserving Rural Resources Act – to ensure that family farmers are not impacted by unnecessary federal burdens and to ensure that they can do what they do best: put food on our tables and create the jobs that our local communities need. Watch 5th District farmers tell their stories HERE.

Quick Facts on the Impact of Regulations

·         Since President Obama took office, we’ve seen a 52% increase in completed regulations that will cost the economy at least $100 million annually. 
·         A 2010 report by the SBA stated that total regulatory compliance costs our economy $1.75 trillion annually. 
·         A 2010 study by the SBA found that small business face an annual regulatory cost per employee that is 36 percent higher than the costs facing large firms.  They estimated these regulatory impacts to cost $10,585 per employee.
·         In 2011 alone, 82,000 pages of new regulatory information were printed in the Federal Register.