Court Ruling Shields Cattle Farmers from Emissions Reports

By Jamie Martin

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has recently secured a major legal victory in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which protects cattle farmers and ranchers from unnecessarily complex emissions reporting requirements. These requirements, outlined under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), have long been a concern for livestock producers.

The NCBA, alongside several other farming and livestock groups, has fought for years to ensure that family farms are not burdened by the complex regulations meant for industrial emissions. This victory upholds an exemption that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued in 2019, which was later confirmed by the 2018 Farm Bill. The exemption shields cattle producers from having to report emissions caused by natural, biological processes that occur on farms and ranches.

“CERCLA and EPCRA were intended to address the worst industrial and toxic chemicals, not govern family farms and ranches. This decision affirms that family cattle producers should not have to file reports for a natural, biological process under a law meant for significant chemical contaminants,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover. “NCBA stepped up to protect family farms and ranches through this litigation and we are pleased that the federal district court has brought clarity to this decades-long discussion."

This ruling is a significant win for cattle producers, who have been targeted by animal rights activists pushing for stricter environmental regulations. It affirms the protection of family-owned farms and ranches, ensuring they are not subject to the same reporting requirements as industries dealing with dangerous chemicals and toxins.

With this decision, the court has resolved a long-standing issue, providing clarity and support to agricultural producers. The NCBA’s legal victory is a major step forward in defending the rights of cattle farmers across the United States.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf