Phosphorus Management Tool

Statement of Senator Jim Mathias on the Delay of Proposed Regulations

Worcester, MD - Senator Jim Mathias today released the following statement on the announcement by Secretary Hance on the withdrawal of emergency regulations concerning a new phosphorus management tool. Before being withdrawn, the emergency regulations were to be heard before the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive & Legislative Review on Wednesday, August 28.

“Our farms are the lifeblood of the economy of the Eastern Shore and Maryland workforce. The emergency regulations that were to be heard before the AELR committee were a step too far endangering farms, families and jobs while increasing the risk of our poultry industry leaving the great state of Maryland. Since the announcement of these emergency regulations, I have worked with our farmers, chicken growers, Secretary Hance, the Farm Bureau, Delmarva Poultry Institute and others to find common ground in this matter illustrating the continued agricultural stewardship protecting our environment as well as the families and business community that constitute the legacy farming industry on the Eastern Shore and throughout the State of Maryland. I would like to thank all the stakeholders for coming together to defend our agricultural industry, protect our family farms and demonstrate that farming has the support of our Maryland Policymakers and advocates.”