U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler was in Mississippi on Monday where he announced a $2 million dollar initiative that encourages smart and sustainable pest control in agriculture. The initiative, which is an extension of EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), expects to award grantees up to $200,000 to implement sustainable pest management practices that align with the agency’s goal of providing a healthier environment for all Americans.

“EPA wants farmers to choose what they can use in their fields and not have it chosen for them,” said Wheeler.

At the event, Mississippi Farm Bureau president Mike McCormick signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EPA Regional Administrator Mary Walker to enhance their communication and coordination efforts, as well as promote education and outreach.

Wheeler answered a few questions after his remarks, including whether he will resign from the administration. “I was disgusted by the events of last Wednesday,” he said. “I believe in the best interests of the agency, in order to ensure a smooth transition to my successors, it’s important for me to stay on.”

EPA chief Andrew Wheeler in Mississippi (15:28)