EPA Livestock Tax on Methane Emissions Blocked

Late last week, the House Appropriations Committee adopted the Tiahrt Amendment preventing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating livestock as a greenhouse gas source.

U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (Kan.) offered the amendment during consideration of the fiscal year 2010 Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The provision blocks the EPA from mandating Clean Air Act permits for greenhouse gases emitted by livestock, including carbon dioxide and methane. The amendment was adopted with broad bipartisan support.

"Farmers and ranchers could soon face unprecedented taxes, excessive reporting requirements and hefty fees if the government decides to regulate livestock greenhouse gas sources," said Tiahrt in a statement. "By blocking the EPA from regulating livestock emissions, we won an important victory for agriculture producers whose businesses could have seen profits erased."

Reprinted from AgWeb.com

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