U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a final rule last week that clarifies reporting of air emissions from animal waste is not required under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). NCBA and KLA submitted comments supporting the exemption of livestock operations. Support also was expressed by the organizations during face-to-face meetings with Wheeler.
EPCRA was intended to help first responders and other emergency personnel identify locations where hazardous substances were stored to prevent injury during a response. At a meeting last fall in Kansas City, KLA Vice President of Legal and Governmental Affairs Aaron Popelka explained to Wheeler the federal law never was designed to regulate diffuse emissions from livestock manure, nor was the information helpful to first responders.
In signing the final rule, Wheeler acknowledged it provides clarity and certainty that animal waste emissions from farms do not need to be reported under EPCRA.
“This action eliminates an onerous reporting requirement and allows emergency responders and farmers to focus on protecting the public and feeding the nation, not routine animal waste emissions,” said Wheeler.