Thursday, May 16, 2019

Bill to Overturn Worth County Health Ordinance Passes Missouri House

On Tuesday, May 14th, the Missouri House passed Senate Bill 391 by a 103-44 vote. This bill would overturn the health ordinances of Worth County and 19 other counties related to CAFO’s and other large agricultural operations. The bill goes to Governor Mike Parson for his signature. State Representatives Allen Andrews and J. Eggleston both voted for the measure. All 103 “Yes” votes were from Republicans. 39 Democrats and 5 Republicans voted against the measure. The following are opinion pieces for and against the measure.

PRO – By the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
The Missouri House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 391 Tuesday, May 14, 2019, with a 103-44 vote. The vote was the final hurdle for the legislation in the 2019 legislative session, which concludes Friday, May 17. The legislation now moves to Governor Mike Parson for his signature. The Missouri Cattlemen's Association was a driving force in moving the legislation forward and its president, Bobby Simpson, wasted no time in calling the passage a "historic victory" for farm and ranch families. 

 "This victory was the product of leaders and staff of nearly 30 groups standing together, dedicated House and Senate leadership, unwavering bill sponsors, and elected leaders willing to sort fact from fiction," said Simpson. "Above all else, dedicated farmers and ranchers made this happen. This is their win." 

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-6) and led in the House by Rep. Mike Haffner (R-55), prevents county governments from passing rules and regulations on farm and ranch families that are more stringent than scientifically founded rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources and other agencies. Proponents argue that a patchwork of county-by-county regulations creates regulatory uncertainty for farm and ranch families and prevents them from expanding and stops new operations from starting. The list of proponents include nearly 30 organizations. 

Opponents of the legislation include the Humane Society of the United States, Missouri Rural Crisis Center and Sierra Club. They argue that the legislation only benefits corporate farmers. Simpson said the wild accusations are false and a direct assault on farm and ranch families in the state. He said he is thankful legislators were willing to think independently and sort fact from fiction.
  
"One real story from the next generation wanting a future in Missouri agriculture is more powerful than 1,000 emails with activist talking points," said Simpson. "One real story from a farmer wanting to expand and create more economic activity does more than fear mongering. The opposition didn't have farmers and ranchers at the Capitol every single week of legislative session. Our association's Cowboys at the Capitol program worked. No bogus talking points, just real people with real stories."
Simpson is optimistic Governor Parson will sign the legislation. 

CON – By the Missouri Sierra Club
Senate Bill 391 would negate all agricultural related existing health ordinances in 20 rural counties (that have been passed by local, elected representatives) and would stop any county from passing a new ordinance in order to protect the health and welfare of their citizens from the negative effects of corporate- controlled Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOS). House Bill 951 would effectively block county commissions and health boards from enforcing these health ordinances.

Existing DNR Oversight Insufficient
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not have authority to provide oversight of the land application of the millions of gallons of waste that comes from "export only" CAFOs like Pipestone Systems, LLC. So without local ordinances they can spread waste right up to property lines, homes, and water sources.

CAFOs that aren't designated as "export only" can spread waste 50 feet from property lines and homes and 300 feet from water sources.

The DNR does not set any air quality standards for CAFOs with less than 17,500 hogs, 7,000 cattle, or 875,000 chickens.

There are no state setback requirements between CAFOs and populated areas.

CAFOs are not required to obtain construction permits from the State of Missouri.

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