Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) questioned Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plans to address climate change and PFAS contamination, as well as the status of organic rules.  A video of today’s full Subcommittee hearing is available for viewing here.

“I appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s understanding of the importance of engaging farmers as partners to address climate change, and I look forward to working with the Department of Agriculture to enhance agriculture’s role as a climate solution,” said Pingree following her questioning of Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I also welcomed the commitment from Secretary Vilsack to prioritize swiftly finalizing long-overdue organic rules. Organic producers have already waited far too long – they need this certainty now.”

“Maine has been ahead of the curve when it comes to identifying the threat of PFAS contamination, but unfortunately there are limited federal resources to address this problem. The USDA has an important role to play when PFAS contamination affects farmers, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration on a comprehensive federal response as we work to prevent the loss of valuable agricultural producers and critically important farmland.”

Video of Rep Pingree’s questions to Secretary Vilsack is available here and here.