CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT STATEMENT ON THE CONSIDERATION OF A FARM LIVESTOCK TAX

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today made the following statement on reports that the EPA may create an emissions tax on farm livestock. 

“Any farming regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act would harm many of our farmers, and is something I would certainly oppose. I have been assured that this proposal will not be a reality anytime in the near future.  The EPA has informed me that this idea of a “livestock emissions tax” will not be proposed to Congress as reality, at this time. I will continue to monitor the situation in the event that there is an update and I will fight any livestock tax such as this one.”

“Agriculture is the economic foundation for many Alabama communities and farming continues to be an important part of our everyday life. I have fought against harmful farming constraints for years, including cosponsoring a 2005 bill to lift EPA regulations on livestock waste, and I will continue to do my best in Washington to represent the hard-working citizens who labor in and support the farming industry.”

#### 

December 2, 2008 EPA Statement on emission regulation:

The public comment period for the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking for greenhouse gases ended on Nov. 28, 2008. The ANPR does not recommend the use of any particular Clean Air Act authority, regulate any emissions, nor commit to specific next steps to address greenhouse gases. The ANPR represents EPA's response to the Supreme Court case finding that greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the CAA.   It provides a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of the opportunities and challenges that the application of CAA authorities would present.  It examines the interconnections among CAA provisions and the implications of applying particular CAA authorities to reduce greenhouse gases.  EPA is currently reviewing the public comments and does not yet have a timeframe for next steps.

--Josh Lewis, USEPA/Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations