The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association urged the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to quickly pass the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, which aims to prevent the EPA from issuing the Clean Air Act Title V permits for emissions that come from livestock production.
“American cattle producers’ commitment to reducing their environmental footprint while simultaneously improving efficiency makes our farms and ranches the most sustainable in the world. Unfortunately, overregulation and excessive permitting would jeopardize the cattle industry’s progress towards greater sustainability,” said Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart.
The emissions, like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, or methane are naturally occurring and cattle producers continue to implement various practices to mitigate its impact on the environment. According to NCBA, methane emissions from cattle account for only two percent of total emissions in the nation.
The committee will now need to vote on the bill before sending it to the full Senate.
Senator Thune told the Environment Committee about the importance of the legislation. He says producers have been working hard to improve and reduce emissions and should not be subject to regulations that could ultimately lead to higher food costs for everyone.
“Passing this legislation would provide livestock producers long-term certainty that their livelihoods will not be compromised by regulatory overreach,” said Thune.
Related:
Farmers and ranchers are reducing GHG emissions and producing more than ever
ERS Economist breaks down how U.S. ag is reducing GHG emissions
University of California, Davis is reexamining methane’s role in climate change
Story via National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Press Release
