Skip to main content

USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force

Created by the 1996 Farm Bill, the USDA Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research promotes USDA research efforts and identifies cost-effective ways the agriculture industry can improve air quality.

USDA has selected 27 new members to its Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research. The Task Force is comprised of members from diverse backgrounds, including agricultural producers, agricultural industry representatives, researchers, scientists, and members of health and regulatory organizations, who have an interest and expertise in air quality issues associated with agriculture. The newly selected members will serve a term of up to two years.

Role of the Task Force

The Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research continues to promote USDA research efforts and identifies cost-effective ways the agriculture industry can improve air quality. Focus areas of the Task Force may include:     

  • Providing recommendations for needed research related to agricultural air quality issues.   
  • Ensuring that implementation of USDA practices, programs and research for air quality and climate change promote environmental justice goals and exploring opportunities for improving the environment for all.   
  • Addressing reactive nitrogen emissions, including ammonia from agricultural sources, especially in relation to nitrogen deposition, greenhouse gas impacts and ammonia’s role as a precursor to fine particulate matter formation.   
  • Discussing agricultural greenhouse gas and carbon sequestration topics, including climate-smart agriculture and forestry options and sustainable solutions.   
  • Providing guidance and recommendations to the Secretary regarding the impact on agriculture from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules and research, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and emissions estimating methodologies for livestock and poultry operations.    
  • Discussing state and local air quality regulations related to agriculture and the potential impact on agricultural operations in those areas.    

Who's on the Task Force

The Task Force membership consists of leaders in farming, industry, health, and science for two-year terms.

There are many aspects of agricultural air quality, so it is important that the Task Force be composed of individuals from all walks of life—including people with expertise in agricultural air quality, farmers and ranchers, rural and urban dwellers, multiple ethnicities, as well as those who simply have an appreciation and knowledge for the importance of clean air and its interplay with agriculture. The Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will serve as Chair of the Task Force. NRCS will provide coordination for the Task Force.

Newly appointed members, who will serve terms of up to two years, will be listed here following the selection of new members: 

  • Kevin Abernathy – Tennessee   
  • Robert Burns – Tennessee   
  • Brian Cochrane – Washington   
  • Manuel Cunha – California   
  • Iris Feng – North Dakota   
  • Daniel Fields – Michigan   
  • Kelley Green – Texas   
  • Thomas Haren – Colorado   
  • Maia Hutt – North Carolina   
  • Jimmy Kinder – Oklahoma   
  • April Leytem – Idaho   
  • Hong Li – Delaware   
  • Sheryl Magzamen – Colorado   
  • Chris McGlothlin – California   
  • Frank Mitloehner – California   
  • Lara Moody – Maryland   
  • Paul Ollerton – Arizona   
  • Sally Shaver – North Carolina   
  • Bryan Shaw – Texas   
  • Samir Sheikh – California   
  • Philip Silva – Kentucky   
  • Rick Stowell – Nebraska   
  • Marguerite Tan – Arizona   
  • Rod Venterea – Minnesota   
  •  Lingjuan Wang-Li – North Carolina   
  • D’Ann Williams – Maryland  
  • Joseph Wolfgang - Pennsylvania  

Subcommittees

Subcommittee details will be provided after the first meeting under the 2020 Charter when subcommittees will be established.

Contact the Task Force

Please send your questions or comments regarding the Task Force to:
Greg Zwicke, Designated Federal Officer
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
West National Technology Support Center
2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Suite 314B
Fort Collins, CO 80526
greg.zwicke@usda.gov
970-295-5621

Meeting Information and Documents

Documents and Information presented at USDA Air Quality Task Force meetings.