Epa Mandated Smoke Management Plan Could Lead to the Regulation of Diesel and Dust

The Kansas State Senate is holding hearings on a bill which asks the Environmental Protection Agency to exempt the Flint Hills from a mandated smoke management plan.  The United States Supreme Court has ruled on an “endangerment finding” and instructed the EPA to regulate “greenhouse gas emissions.  The smoke caused from burning pastures and fields can contribute to the air not meeting the EPA’s Clean Air Standards.  State Senator Mark Taddiken is concerned that this regulation may have far reaching implications and could lead to an attempt to regulate diesel engine emissions and dust from livestock and farming operations.