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EPA - USDA Committee to Advise on Reassessment & Transition
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Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated. |
Statement by Vice President Gore
| THE WHITE HOUSE |
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| Office of the Vice President |
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| For Immediate Release Friday, June 22, 2000 |
Contact: (202) 456-7035 |
STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT GORE
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ADVISE ON REASSESSMENT AND
TRANSITION (CARAT)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Deputy Secretary Richard Rominger, Deputy Administrator Mike McCabe and all of the members of the Committee to Advise on Reassessment and Transition for your willingness to lend your time and expertise to ensure sound implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Working together, we can achieve greater protection for the American public -- especially our children -- while ensuring that our farmers can continue to raise their crops in an economically and environmentally sound way and remain the most productive in the world.
The Food Quality Protection Act not only is a landmark statute but also a true partnership among government, growers and other users, pesticide manufacturers and the public health and environmental community. We have made significant strides in achieving the law's goals of improved safety and sound agriculture, but challenges remain. As we move forward with implementing the tougher standards mandated by the Act, we must do our utmost to provide a smooth transition that is responsive to the needs of agricultural producers.
Your work will help ensure that these efforts are guided by four key principles: sound science in protecting public health; transparency; reasonable transition for agriculture; and consultation with the public and other agencies. Your contributions will be critical in achieving a balanced approach that meets the requirements and timetables set forth in the Act. Again, I thank you for your commitment to this vital effort.