Agriculture Chief Aims To Ease Fear On Dust Rules

DENVER (AP) - A federal official says U.S. farmers shouldn't be too concerned yet about stricter federal regulations on farm dust.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the remark Monday to reporters after a talk to business groups in Denver.

Vilsack points out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hasn't come out with new standards for dust, soot and other particles.

Farms frequently produce dust clouds during harvests, and farmers are waiting nervously to hear whether the EPA plans to clamp down on dust and dirt. The American Lung Association has called for tougher controls.

Vilsack plans another stop in northern Colorado to talk with farmers about economic development.