EPA SAYS ALL IS FORGIVEN FOR SOME ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIORS' AIR POLLUTION SINS

This week's IOWA Public TV program "Market To Market" just reported:

"In what's being hailed as a major step forward, the US Environmental Protection Agency kicked off a landmark program this week that will be used to determine AIR EMISSION LEVELS near various types of Animal Feeding Operations or AFOs.  When the program is in full swing, an INDEPENDENT air monitoring company will check the levels of AMMONIA AND HYDROGEN SULFIDE found in the air around 6,700 farms in 42 states.

"The data will be used in the formulation of AGRICULTURE AIR QUALITY RULES. Participating farmers receive an AMNESTY of sorts WHERE ALL THEIR PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT ARE FORGIVEN!  THE AMNESTY DOES NOT MAKE THEM EXEMPT FROM ANY FUTURE VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL POLLUTION LAWS.

"In exchange, operators agree to ABIDE BY THE RULES OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT, PAY $2,500 INTO A FUND FOR AIR QUALITY MONITORING, AND INSTALL THE BEST AVAILABLE POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNOLOGY.

"Officials with THE SIERRA CLUB stated that the program gives farmers a free ride on the backs of the public.  Pro-industry groups like the National Pork Producers Council released a statement lauding the study for its use of 'sound science'(?) to develop practical policies for pork producers.  The project is expected to take 4 years with 2 being devoted to the study of AIR QUALITY, and 2 more spent developing new rules."   End quote…

So, this is a nifty break for livestock producers.  Some of them who have not followed the rules are now being rewarded with a declaration of amnesty!  How special. I don't know for certain who is hailing this as a "major step", but I can guess.  Let's see, humh, maybe corporate livestock farmers and those with a large number of animal units (over 1000 units) are happy about this.

And here is that overused bogus term again "sound science."  What is meant by that is scientists will be sought out who agree with the EPA.  So don't remain silent on this.  Let the EPA know that POLLUTERS NEED TO PAY.  CITIZENS ARE NOT THE ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR FARM OR CORPORATE CLEANUPS.

Let us not forget also to CPR… CONSERVE/PARTICIPATE/RECYCLE