EPA Administrator Zeldin Tours Midwest, Announces Action to Support Lower Food Prices for Americans
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin concluded a Midwest swing this week, visiting with state, local and federal partners, farmers and other stakeholders in Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota, and announcing significant regulatory relief for meat and poultry processors that will help keep food prices affordable for American families while maintaining environmental protections.
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Administrator Zeldin met with Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, and Directors of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Department of Water, Energy, and Environment to discuss ways EPA and Nebraska can work together to protect Nebraska agriculture and unleash American energy dominance.
The following morning, on Friday, August 29, Administrator Zeldin participated in Senator Pete Ricketts’ (R-NE) Second Annual Federal Issues Forum at the Nebraska State Fair and spoke about the Trump EPA’s priorities, including permitting reform to boost American energy and the economy while protecting the environment. He answered questions about the administration's commitment to supporting agriculture and rural communities. The Administrator then answered questions from local media and walked around the Nebraska State Fair with Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) and Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.
Following the State Fair, Administrator Zeldin toured Sunderman Feedlot, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to discuss water quality regulations and animal disease issues, such as the New World Screwworm.
Administrator Zeldin traveled to Brookings, South Dakota, on Saturday, August 30, to tour the Raven Precision Agriculture Center at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He was joined by EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western and Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD-At Large). The innovative facility integrates agronomy, engineering, and computer science to create a first-of-its-kind program that trains farmers in precision agriculture technologies.
Later that day, Administrator Zeldin toured Christensen Farms facilities in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Through this action, EPA is saving billions of dollars in costs the American people would otherwise see in the prices of the meat and poultry they buy at the grocery store while ensuring the protection of human health and the environment. On the tour, Administrator Zeldin was joined by EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel and Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN-01) and Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07).
Administrator Zeldin also announced a final action imposing no additional wastewater discharge regulations on meat and poultry processing facilities. Through this action, EPA is saving billions of dollars in costs the American people would otherwise see in the prices of the meat and poultry they buy at the grocery store while ensuring the protection of human health and the environment.
Administrator Zeldin then met with Delta Airlines leadership in their hangar at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to discuss important policy priorities of the airline.
On Sunday, August 31, Administrator Zeldin concluded the swing by joining House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN-06) at the Minnesota State Fair.
