EPA pollution rules threaten agriculture says American farming bureau

The head of the largest US agriculture group added to the pressure on Congress to stop the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new carbon rules, and on Sunday announced a lawsuit.

The EPA's nationwide carbon rules, imposed under the Clean Air Act, took effect on Sunday 2nd January. President Barack Obama is pressing ahead with the regulations after Congress failed to pass legislation capping CO2 emissions.

Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) declared the lawsuit against EPA regulations to reduce Chesapeake Bay greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution.

During a speech to open the group's annual meeting, Stallman criticised the EPA regulations, saying that: "over-regulation endangers our industry."

Apprehension regarding the EPA has existed from farmers for years, and recent opposition arose from concerns that regulation of GHGs will hike up farming costs.

Rejection of the EPA plans has become more widespread in the US and the lawsuits may drag on for years without final conclusions. This in itself could slow investment in energy dependent industries.

The AFBF move follows the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granting a request by Texas officials last week to issue a stay on the EPA plan. Texas rejects regulations obliging it to issue GHG permits to its biggest polluters.

The EPA's rules were imposed 13 months after the agency declared CO2 emissions a danger to public health and welfare. The EPA's "endangerment finding" followed a Supreme Court ruling in 2007 declaring that the agency has the authority to regulate CO2 emissions under the Clean Air Act.

This declaration is being challenged by several states, including Texas, Virginia and Florida, as well as companies and business groups.

A lawsuit against EPA regulations was filed yesterday (Monday 10th January) in US District Court, Pennsylvania, to block what he called the Chesapeake Bay "pollution diet".

He voiced concerns that regulations may lead to the downsized American agriculture and out-sourced farming.

Katherine Cesinger, a spokeswoman for Republican Governor Rick Perry said in an e-mailed statement: "The EPA's misguided plan paints a huge target on the backs of Texas agriculture and energy producers by implementing unnecessary, burdensome mandates…threatening hundreds of thousands of Texas jobs."

Continued lawsuits, however, could further threaten the agriculture industry. Subsequent reduction in investment in energy industries could slow the US economy.

The EPA said it will proceed with plans under the Clean Air Act, saying regulations will, in principle, curb emissions by requiring plants to use the best available technology to control them. The plants will also have to monitor those emissions and report back to the government.

Author: Marianna Keen | Climate Action

Image: feral arts | Flickr

For more information click here: Federal appeals court grants stay on Texas EPA rejection