WASHINGTON, DC. – The National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and United Egg Producers praised a breakthrough bi-partisan bill introduced today by 19 senators to correct a pending federal court requirement that nearly a quarter of a million farmers
must calculate and report to federal emergency response authorities the natural emission of ammonia from poultry and livestock manure.
“This is significant breakthrough legislation restoring CERCLA reporting to its intended purpose, a united legislative effort that has been nearly 15 years in the making, and we appreciate their swift action on behalf of America’s turkey, chicken and egg farmers,” said the National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and United Egg Producers in a joint statement. “Marking a bi-partisan level of cooperation, the bill demonstrates strong support from both Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to clarify Congress’ intent.”
Introduced by Sens. Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tom Carper (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), the FARM Act, “The Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act,” restores the on-farm exemption for emissions from manure. The poultry groups noted that the 2017 Federal Appeals Court ruling had disrupted a nearly 10-year understanding that these are not the type of releases that Congress intended to be reported and needing an emergency response under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation & Liability Act).
Senators have been quick to respond in the face of an upcoming May 1 federal court deadline that would trigger the massive reporting mandate on farmers, requiring compliance in as little as 24 hours after the final court order is issued.
The poultry groups are also hopeful a companion version of the FARM Act will be introduced soon for timely consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives.
About the National Turkey Federation
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate raising awareness for its members' products, while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality, and nutritious food to consumers worldwide. NTF represents growers, processors, hatchers, breeders, distributors, allied services and state associations. NTF is found at EatTurkey.org, ServeTurkey.org; on Twitter @TurkeyGal and @ServeTurkey; and on Facebook as Turkey.The Perfect Protein®
About the National Chicken Council
The National Chicken Council (NCC) represents integrated chicken producer-processors, the companies that produce and process chickens. Member companies of NCC account for more than 95 percent of the chicken sold in the United States.
About U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the all-feather organization representing the complete spectrum of today’s poultry industry, whose mission is to progressively serve member companies through research, education, communication and technical assistance. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Ga.
About the United Egg Producers
The United Egg Producers (UEP) is a farmer cooperative representing egg farmer members from all across the United States. The member companies produce approximately 90 percent of the nation’s total egg production. UEP’s primary role is to develop programs for the members that address animal welfare, food safety, and the environment and to represent their interest in government affairs.
