Avila: Writer was right that chemicals are vital for supply

This letter is in response to Richard Wilkins’ Opinion piece, “Agricultural chemicals vital for affordable food supply."

I own a small paint operation, and I couldn’t agree more with Wilkins’ thoughts on how chemicals often are the target of emotional appeal and misinformation. The Environmental Protection Agency has gone overboard on regulating chemicals, thanks to this incorrect information, and it’s negatively affecting American businesses and our domestic supply chain.

For example, want to shop at a small local company instead of a large chain that secures its inventory from foreign countries? That’s hard to do, as EPA regulations are squeezing out the ability for us to buy American-made products.

Waited a long time for the lumber and building supplies you needed for that post-pandemic home renovation? Lack of supply can be directly linked to the agency’s over-regulation of construction materials, which hampers our ability to efficiently build and maintain infrastructure here in the States.

Construction crews come to me every day, complaining that they can’t get their hands on pressure-treated wood and stone products they need to finish jobs. Imagine if we finally launched our post-COVID-19 economy by truly bringing the American supply chain back home. By focusing on environmental regulations that protect our health and the world around us (instead of simply making each regulation as cumbersome and expensive as possible), we could boost our economy, increase affordable housing and bring our supply chain needs back home to the U.S.
Congress and our local elected officials should consider the consequences of regulations and legislative proposals before enacting them.

Christopher Avila

Wilmington

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.