The Fertilizer Institute commends Senate on confirmation of new EPA administrator

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President Chris Jahn issued the following statement on the Senate confirmation of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the U.S. EPA.
 

“TFI commends the Senate for its vote to confirm Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the U.S. EPA. Attorney General Pruitt’s distinguished service and proven leadership in both the public and private sectors make him genuinely qualified for this important position.
 

TFI and its members support a transparent regulatory process which is based on science that has undergone the scrutiny of peer review. Many regulations are overly complex and make it difficult for our nation’s small businesses to grow. By working in partnership with all stakeholders, we believe Mr. Pruitt will ensure that American agriculture continues growing the food, fuel and fiber to feed the world.
 

The U.S. fertilizer industry is one of the world’s largest, and makes a tremendous contribution to U.S. economic growth, employing American workers in manufacturing, wholesale, and retail agribusiness sectors. Our industry generates more than $155 billion in economic activity, and we directly employ more than 88,000 Americans in quality high paying jobs.
 

TFI and its members are also committed to enhancing their environmental stewardship efforts, as evidenced by the industry’s support for the 4R Nutrient Stewardship initiative which promotes using the Right Source of fertilizer, at the Right Rate, at the Right Time and in the Right Place.

Our 2016 State of the Industry report further quantifies the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship:
 

- Many fertilizer manufacturers have established water efficiency and zero discharge targets to be achieved through water conservation and reuse or recycling within their operations. In 2015, the total water use for phosphate and potash production decreased by 7.5 percent from 2014 numbers. Water use on a nutrient ton basis by nitrogen fertilizer producers has been reduced by 18.6 percent between 2013 and 2015.
 

- Every surface acre mined by the fertilizer industry is reclaimed. In 2015, the equivalent of 4,200 football fields was reclaimed or restored for wildlife habitat or other productive use.