The beef industry says agriculture emissions are not regulated by the Clean Air Act and the bipartisan Livestock Regulatory Protection Act would keep it that way.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA’s) Mary-Thomas Hart concedes, farms and ranches emit methane, ammonia and other pollutants, but from livestock and their waste are less than the Clean Air Act regulates.
“But we know that, as each administration considers more carefully, how to use the Clean Air Act as a tool to combat Climate Change, that the risk increases, when it comes to regulating farmers and ranchers with the Clean Air Act.”
So, Thomas Hart told NCBA’s Beltway Beef podcast, they are backing the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act by two GOP and two Democratic senators to permanently block EPA regulating farm animal emissions.
“There are two provisions that have been included in every appropriations package, since 2009. Maintaining those provisions are key to keeping farmers and ranchers out of the realm of Clean Air Act regulation. Those provisions are related to greenhouse gas emissions reporting, and direct regulation under Title 5.
Thomas Hart refutes those blaming U.S. Ag for global climate change, responsible for less than four percent of U.S. greenhouse gas pollution.
“We have truly mastered the art of sustainable beef production. Producers are always striving to be more efficient in their production practices, striving to have the most efficient animals possible.”
Thomas Hart argues overregulation breeds less freedom for producers to innovate with feeding practices and genetics and continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions voluntarily.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)