Senate Bill: Superfund Does Not Apply to Livestock

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 18, 2006—Legislation introduced in the Senate today would clarify that the severe regulatory provisions of the Superfund law, also known as CERCLA, should not apply to manure produced on livestock farms and ranches, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

 According to AFBF President Bob Stallman, the Farm Bureau-supported bill would amend the Superfund law passed in 1980, reaffirming that it was never intended to apply to agriculture. The bipartisan measure, with lead sponsors Sens. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), currently has 23 co-sponsors. 

 “Superfund regulations were enacted more than a quarter-century ago to rein in industrial polluters and clean up toxic waste sites, not to be imposed on America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Stallman. “We’re pleased that the Senate is serious about clarifying the intent of the Superfund law.”

 Stallman said clarifying that the Superfund law does not apply to natural animal waste on farms is critical for livestock farmers and ranchers. “Clarifying the intent of the Superfund law will remove the threat of multi-million dollar penalties that were never meant to apply to America’s farms,” he said.

 Stallman said U.S. livestock farms and ranches are among the most regulated businesses in the nation in terms of environmental quality.

 “Public safety and health, as well as water and air quality, are protected by the federal Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, along with extensive environmental laws and regulations that apply to agriculture,” Stallman said. "We work very hard to comply with those laws. Congress did not intend Superfund to apply to agriculture and it is not necessary for environmental protection."

 The AFBF president also noted that farmers and ranchers across the U.S. participate in voluntary efforts to better protect the environment, thus greatly enhancing the communities where they live and work.

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Contact:          Tracy Taylor Grondine                         Mace Thornton

                       (202) 406-3642                                     (202) 406-3641

                       tracyg@fb.org                                      macet@fb.org