Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

“Anyone who tells you that California dairies are producing more harmful emissions than cars and trucks is misinformed, “ said Cardoza. “As the author of California’s Smog Check II legislation, I strongly believe in reducing emissions and fighting for clean air.  We need to address the real causes of the Central Valley’s poor air quality, not attack dairy farmers.  This is yet another example of regulators singling out agriculture for harsh treatment because it is the most convenient way to avoid dealing with the real problem.  ”

The tentative decision, issued by the Air Pollution Control District, would set emissions from dairy cattle at 20.6 pounds per cow annually, nearly double the previous number of 12.8 pounds per cow per year.  The report, however, is based largely on irrelevant foreign studies, and is in direct contradiction with the analysis of distinguished researchers from the University of California, the California State University and the California Air Resources Board.  A series of reputable studies performed on California dairies found emissions of less than 6 pounds per year. The recent Air Pollution Control District decision was drawn largely from dubious data from a British dairy study on the subject and misused and misinterpreted preliminary data from other studies. 

“It seems clear that the air district is trying to inflate these emissions numbers in order to place an unjustified and excessive burden on dairy farmers,” said Cardoza. “Agriculture has taken responsibility for reducing emissions harmful to air quality, and they should be commended for their efforts. California dairy farmers are working hard to be part of the solution. I will stand with the Central Valley’s dairy producers to fight for reasonable standards based on sound science.”