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PRESS RELEASE
FROM: INDEPENDENT CATTLEMEN OF NEBRASKA
CONTACT: Linda Wuebben, 402-357-3778 or Al Davis, 308-458-2220
independentcattlemen@yahoo.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 24

EPA PROPOSALS POTENTIALLY DEVASTATE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

Hyannis, Nebraska .— A new proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency would devastate Nebraska’s multi-million dollar livestock industry and cause food prices to escalate, according to officials with the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska. The EPA is currently taking comments on a proposal which would establish a greenhouse gas “tax” of $87.50 on each head of beef cattle produced and $175 per head on each dairy animal and $20 for each hog.

The proposal is essentially a tax on livestock operations, said Dave Wright, President of ICON.

“Most livestock and dairy farmers would not be able to pass along this tax,” Wright said. “The proposal would put producers out of business and would certainly result in much higher consumer costs for beef, milk, pork, and milk products.”

EPA is seeking public comments until Nov. 28, and ICON is urging its members to oppose the measure by contacting EPA officials.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture figures, any farm or ranch with more than 25 dairy cows, 50 beef cattle or 200 hogs emits more than 100 tons of carbon equivalent per year, and thus would need to obtain a permit under the proposed rules

Wright said the proposal is unclear as to how the money would be collected, and although the rule is simply a proposal right now, this is the first step toward making it a permanent requirement for producers. To comment directly to the EPA visit www.regulation.gov. Include a brief personal impact for this proposed regulation after you navigate through the website.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT:

Use Comment form at FARM BUREAU WEBSITE

FAX your comments to (202) 566-97755

MAIL comment to:

Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center
Environmental Protection Agency
Mailcode: 2822T
200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460

Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska
"Solid as a windmill. Always working for the independent producer."


The Mission of the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) is to protect and promote the interests of Nebraska's
independent cattle producers. Office of the Organization is located in Hyannis, Nebraska and membership can be obtained by calling (308) 458-7282.