Michael T. Scuse
SECRETARY
E, A ustin Short
DEPUTY SECRETARY
Kenneth M. Bounds
DEPUTY SECRETARY
State of Delaware
D epartment of A griculture 2320 South DuPont Hghway Dover, Delavvare 19901
O DA.DELAW AR E.G O V
TELEPHONE; (302; 698-4500 TOLL FREE: (800) 282-8885 FAX: (302) 897-8287
August 9, 2017
M. Frances Eargle, LGAC Designated Federal Officer, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations (OCIR), U S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW (MCI30 LA), Washington, DC 20460
Dear Ms. Eargle:
Please accept this letter of interest for consideration for appointment to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The LGAC serves an important role in providing EPA advice and recommendations to develop stronger partnerships with local governments. I feel including the agriculture and rural community perspective on the LGAC has provided invaluable insight to the agency.
As the current secretary of agriculture for Delaware, I am a lifelong farmer and native Delawarean. I formally served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture acting U.S. secretary of agriculture, acting deputy secretary of agriculture, and under secretary for farm and foreign agricultural services. As under secretary, I oversaw USDA's Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, and Foreign Agricultural Services. I led initiatives to improve the competitiveness of American products in the global marketplace, create new markets to increase rural economic opportunity, and deliver arm assistance that help keep America's farmers and ranchers in business. I also served as president of the Commodity Credit Corporation, working to stabilize and support farm income and prices while helping maintain balance and adequate supplies of agricultural products.
Prior to my work in Washington, DC with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I served as Delaware secretary of agriculture from 2001-2008, and also served as chief of staff to former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner. During my term as secretary, I served as vice-president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and president of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture. I also served as chairman of the Kent County Regional Planning Commission and chairman of USDA's Delaware Farm Service Committee.
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Having served on the executive board of The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) along with my extensive background in agriculture, this also provides a unique opportunity to bring the perspectives of other agriculture departments to the points of discussion. The opportunity to share and collaborate with other agriculture leaders and bring their input into the LGAC will also provide a much broader representation than mine alone. Agriculture is an industry that has a profound impact on every community across our nation. The policies discussed by the LGAC may also have an impact on this industry which may impact their effective contributions to these communities. Having the opportunity to share that with the LGAC at the appropriate opportunities will also aid in developing effective policies.
If selected for membership on this committee, I will devote the necessary time and energy to be a valuable contributor. This includes dedicating the time to attend in person committee meetings held each year and the teleconferences.
Please contact me if I can provide additional information.
With kind regard,
Michael T. Scuse
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