Family farm advocates in Missouri worry that a regulation on the other side of the country could have unwanted effects on rural Missourians.
The California Air Resources Board is preparing to make changes in the state Low carbon fuel standardswhich could allow California to buy tax credits to offset diesel emissions from factory farms in the Midwest producing methane from animal waste. Critics warn it will encourage even more factory farming.
Tim Gibbons, communications director for the Missouri Agricultural Crisis Center, said it's a stark contrast to California's commitment to environmental justice.
“If Californians knew that their state policy was creating, incentivizing, fueling more corporate factory farms in the Midwest, I would like to think they would be opposed to it,” Gibbons said.
The California Air Resources Board has a public hearing on the amendment on March 21 in Sacramento. Gibbons stressed that it is important for people in the Midwest to let regulators know their views on the proposal. They already exist more than 500 Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Missouri.
Gibbons pointed out that California's definition of low-carbon fuels to generate tax credits includes anaerobic digesters, which are used to capture methane from the vast amounts of manure produced by factory farms. He argued that it creates an incentive for these facilities to become even larger.
“People are opposed to it, not just out here, but I think the vast majority of Californians who support climate change mitigation would not be for — not only that, as a 'greenwashing' climate mitigation idea of change – – but also the fact that this could cause more climate change,” Gibbons argued.
ONE 2020 report Food and Water Watch included examples of what happens to communities when animals and their waste are concentrated in certain areas. Unlike human sewage, pig and cattle wastes are not treated before being released into the environment. Neighbors of the facilities report stench and other health effects, including a loss of the ability to spend time outdoors.
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A proposed storage pump hydroelectric installation for Cuffs Run near the Susquehanna River in York County has been challenged by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The foundation filed a motion to intervene in the process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is considering granting a preliminary permit to build a 1.8-mile dam for the project.
Harry Campbell, director of science policy and advocacy for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said they are working to stop the project in order to protect the unique Cuffs Run area and its ecological benefits for future generations.
“If approved, this project will destroy approximately 580 acres of prime farmland, fields and forests, some of which have not been disturbed for nearly 100 years,” Campbell pointed out. “These farms, fields and forests exist in harmony with and support a multitude of plants and animals.”
The foundation releases one online report and encouraged Pennsylvanians to submit comments before Sunday.
The stream is home to natural spawning trout. Supporters worry the $2.5 billion project would also be harmful to the Susquehanna River. Campbell noted that about 40 families will be displaced.
“For those who call Cuffs Run home, it's more than just a place to live. It's their legacy and they want to be a part of their legacy,” Campbell asserted. “This project is just the wrong idea in the wrong place. To honor this heritage and this legacy, we need to preserve this area.”
Campbell emphasized that the Cuffs Run project is about 993 acres of land that drains into an unnamed 2.5-mile long tributary. He added that in terms of stream habitat, rocks, pebbles and woody material have been identified as some of the best in the area to support aquatic creatures.
Disclosure: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation contributes to our reporting fund on Energy Policy, Agriculture/Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture and Water. If you want to help support public interest news, click here.
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Tennesseans want more say in how the Tennessee Valley Authority plans for their future electricity needs, and a bill now in Congress could give the public more influence.
THE “TVA Participation Rate Increase Act,” would require a more open decision-making process for the utility.
Brianna Knisley, director of public advocacy campaigns for Appalachian Voices, said TVA is currently developing its new Comprehensive resource plan to meet future energy needs. The bill would require greater public participation in plan processes.
“Currently, stakeholders who can provide input early in the IRP process are hand-selected by TVA,” Knisley noted. “You don't get to choose to be on this IRP working group. And these are the only people who get meaningful input into the architecture of the IRP as it's being designed.”
The utility serves more than 10 million people in six states. TVA said it is reviewing the legislation. A draft plan will be published at a later date. TVA said it already has a “robust stakeholder engagement plan.”
After releasing the plan, Knisley noted that public input is taking place during what is known as the scoping phase Law on the National Environmental Policy. Open houses are held where TVA answers questions from the public. Knisley encouraged Tennesseans to voice any of their concerns during the public and virtual hearings.
“I think additional public input into our region's long-term energy plan will only enhance the results,” Knisley said. “And make that long-term energy plan better serve the needs of the Tennessee Valley as a whole.”
He added that it is important for Tennesseans to work with Congress on how best to improve public input into TVA's decision-making process.
Disclosure: Appalachian Voices contributes to our Energy Policy, Environment, Environmental Justice reporting fund. If you want to help support public interest news, click here.
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Pennsylvania's wild trout streams are getting much-needed attention, and outdoor enthusiasts across the state can voice their opinions to preserve the fishery.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has collected data on 24 proposed Wild trout streamsrecommending that they receive official name to maintain their “outstanding” trout habitats.
Nate Walters, head of the cold water unit for the commission, said stream protection supports healthy, self-sustaining wild trout populations, which in turn is vital to water quality.
“It's important to protect them from any kind of human impact that might further degrade these streams,” Walters argued. “Again, it's important to protect these streams for water quality and habitat protection, whether it's inland or the wetlands surrounding the streams.”
Walters pointed out that all Pennsylvanians can submit public comments about Wild Trout Streams designations online. Pennsylvania has more than 80,000 miles of streams and rivers, most of which support fishing, kayaking and boating activities.
Alexandra Kozak, Pennsylvania field manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said officially adding streams to the state's Wild Trout Stream list will not only preserve world-class fishing opportunities but boost local economies and tourism.
“We have a $58 billion outdoor recreation economy,” Kozak explained. “Considering that approximately 40% of streams across the state are not suitable for fishing, swimming or even drinking, according to the DEP, it makes sense to protect these outstanding waterways that already meet top standards, which can continue to support outdoor recreation and then continue to drive, you know, our economy.”
Kozak noted that their 2020 survey showed 1.2 million Pennsylvanians fish local waterways. He added that local businesses such as fly fishing guides and bait shops benefit from anglers visiting these areas.
Disclosure: The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership contributes to our Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species and Wildlife, Environment and Public Areas/Wildlife reporting fund. If you want to help support public interest news, click here.
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