Letter to Stephen Johnson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Aderholt Writes Letter to EPA Opposing the Consideration of a Livestock Tax

Letter

Aderholt Writes Letter To EPA Opposing The Consideration Of A Livestock Tax

Contact: Darrell "DJ" Jordan
(202) 225-4876

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency this week opposing the consideration of an emissions tax on farm livestock. Although Congressman Aderholt was told by EPA and Department of Agriculture sources that this proposal would not move forward at this time, he is taking proactive steps to help ensure that this type of tax is never considered in any new Administration.

The letter was specifically sent to Administrator Stephen Johnson, the top executive appointed at the EPA, and Louise Wise, who is the EPA Principal Deputy Associate Administrator.

Like most Alabamians, Congressman Aderholt strongly believes that any emissions tax on livestock is an unacceptable idea. Rep. Aderholt has diligently fought against unrealistic farming regulation throughout his time in Washington and he will monitor this situation with the same perseverance.

The Honorable Stephen Johnson
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington. D.C. 20460

Dear Administrator Johnson:

I am writing regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking "Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions under the Clean Air Act." I am opposed to any attempt to impose greenhouse gas regulations under the Clean Air Act on the agricultural industry. Doing so could result in crippling regulatory and financial problems for many of my
constituents. Taxation and permit fees would likely result in some agricultural related businesses going bankrupt and increased costs being passed on to the consumer.

As you know, most agricultural emissions are the result of natural processes, with some additional from fertilizer distribution and thus should not be regulated like heavy industries. Given the nature of the emissions, any attempt to limit them would most certainly result in less production. In addition, the difficulties with implementing a means to control and limit emissions would be daunting and costlv especially to Alabama's small farmers. The authors of the Clean Air Act did not intend for the legislation to be so far-reaching as to apply to such natural and biological processes.

I am opposed to a regulatory expansion of this scope, and I maintain that any proposed policy changes of this type should be subject to Congressional review. I urge you to not impose green house gas emission regulations on America's vitally important agricultural industry, either now or during the next administration.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Aderholt
Member of Congress

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