1A (dot) Gov: The Department Of Agriculture And The Environmental Protection Agency
Jan 15, 2025
Jonathan Koppis is a Gardner Associate Professor of Agricultural Policy and former USDA official, while Coral Davenport is The New York Times' energy and environment correspondent. They dive into the multifaceted roles of the USDA and EPA, from food safety to environmental protections. Topics include the complexities of the Farm Bill, ongoing climate resilience research, and the EPA's battle with budget cuts. The conversation also highlights historical influences like Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring,' which catalyzed modern environmental advocacy.
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Farm Bill and Nutrition Programs
- The Farm Bill funds the USDA, with a significant portion going to nutrition programs like SNAP.
- SNAP provides food assistance to low-income families.
Forest Service Responsibilities
- The Forest Service manages national forests and grasslands, but its work extends beyond that.
- It also provides funding to state forestry departments and manages timber programs.
EPA's Scope
- The EPA, with a budget of $46 billion, employs 18,000 people across 10 regional offices.
- It regulates air and water quality, hazardous waste, pesticides, and toxic substances.