Ag Policy Blog

The EPA's nominated administrator awaiting confirmation votes in the Senate and the acting administrator preparing to testify over the agency's budget before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday. In the courts, agricultural groups continue to pressure EPA regulations.

The American Farm Bureau issued a statement Tuesday citing that "Poultry and livestock farmers scored a when Monday when a federal court rejected efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency to dismiss a case brought by West Virginia poultry grower Lois Alt."

EPA had tried to require Alt to get a Clean Water Act discharge permit for run off from her poultry farm. Alt sued and picked up backing by the West Virginia and American Farm Bureau in the process. EPA backed off and withdrew the order, but Alt and the farm groups want to continue the litigation. The farmers want clarity on the details of "agricultural stormwater."

“Ms. Alt has courageously taken on EPA not just for her own benefit, but for the benefit of other farmers,” said Stallman. “She refused to back down from her principles despite the best efforts of EPA and environmental groups. We are pleased that the court agreed that the stakes are high for all poultry and livestock farmers and this issue should be resolved.”

Late last week, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association announced it was joining the challenge against EPA's greenhouse gas emission rules. NCBA joined a group of heavy hitters among major business groups such as the American Petroleum Institute, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Home Builders and a long list of other groups such as the Corn Refiners Association, the National Oilseed Processors Association and Frozen Food Institute.

“We have already seen many actions by this administration’s EPA that proves they believe they are above the law. Forcing these greenhouse gas regulations upon Americans, including hard-working cattlemen and women is yet another example of this. We remain hopeful that bringing this issue to the highest court in the nation, the U.S. Supreme Court, will put a stop to the aggressive agenda-driven bullying by EPA,” said Ashley McDonald, NCBA deputy environmental counsel.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., ruled last year that the EPA was correct in finding that greenhouse-gas emissions pose a health risk and can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

The administration's nominee for EPA administrator, Gina McCarthy, is awaiting a vote by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. McCarthy current oversees EPA's clean-air program. She has said fighting climate change is "one of the greatest challenges of our generation."

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe will testify before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday.

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