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
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