§ 5405. — Agricultural air quality research oversight.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC5405]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 85--ADMINISTRATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
Sec. 5405. Agricultural air quality research oversight
(a) Findings
Congress finds that--
(1) various studies have alleged that agriculture is a source of
PM-10 emissions;
(2) many of these studies have often been based on erroneous
data;
(3) Federal research activities are currently being conducted by
the Department of Agriculture to determine the true extent to which
agricultural activities contribute to air pollution and to determine
cost-effective ways in which the agricultural industry can reduce
any pollution that exists; and
(4) any Federal policy recommendations that may be issued by any
Federal agency to address air pollution problems related to
agriculture or any other industrial activity should be based on
sound scientific findings that are subject to adequate peer review
and should take into account economic feasibility.
(b) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to encourage the Secretary of
Agriculture to continue to strengthen vital research efforts related to
agricultural air quality.
(c) Oversight coordination
(1) Intergovernmental cooperation
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable with
respect to the Department of Agriculture and other Federal
departments and agencies, ensure intergovernmental cooperation in
research activities related to agricultural air quality and avoid
duplication of the activities.
(2) Correct data
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure
that the results of any research related to agricultural air quality
conducted by Federal agencies not report erroneous data with respect
to agricultural air quality.
(d) Task force
(1) Establishment
The Chief of the National Resources Conservation Service shall
establish a task force to address agricultural air quality issues.
(2) Composition
The task force shall be comprised of employees of the Department
of Agriculture, industry representatives, and other experts in the
fields of agriculture and air quality.
(3) Duties
The task force shall advise the Secretary with respect to the
role of the Secretary for providing oversight and coordination
related to agricultural air quality.
(Pub. L. 104-127, title III, Sec. 391, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1025.)
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Federal Agriculture Improvement
and Reform Act of 1996, and not as part of subtitle F (Sec. 1471 et
seq.) of title XIV of Pub. L. 101-624 which comprises this chapter.
