Newly appointed Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IX Administrator Josh Cook came to the Valley this week to meet with agricultural groups to discuss critical air quality issues. Coordinated by the Nisei Farmers League and co-hosted by the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association (CCGGA) and the Western Tree Nut Association (WTNA), Regional Administrator Cook and his staff joined State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director Connie Conway, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Carlos Suarez, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District APCO Samir Sheikh and his staff. Discussion centered on federal issues, including the future of any waivers for mobile equipment, outstanding State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for the San Joaquin Valley, and federal incentive programs such as the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) and the Targeted Air Shed Grants. The group also discussed the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and how agriculture may have to address any fallowed lands. Joining the NFL, CCGGA and WTNA on the agricultural side was California Farm Bureau Federation, Fresno County Farm Bureau, California Citrus Mutual, California Fresh Fruit Association, Fresno Equipment Company, and the California Avocado Commission. The Association was represented by President/CEO Roger A. Isom.  The meeting was held at Fowler Packing.