During the dwindling time remaining in the current administration, it has become unstated official policy that many unresolved issues will become the obligations of coming presidents. Included amongst these gifts are water pollution rules regarding factory farms, those enteprises housing thousands of animals. ALso known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), it is rules regarding their animal wastes that is the subject of the delaying tactic.
ENS link
MANURE PILES LEFT FOR NEXT ADMINISTRATION — EPA Defers Factory Farm Water Pollution Rules until February 2009
Washington, DC — The Bush administration has pushed deadlines for new court-ordered water pollution rules back from this July to February 2009. This action evidences an emerging trend in the waning months of the Bush second term of putting off addressing knotty environmental problems until the next administration takes office, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).
On May 4, 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that new rules to tighten water quality standards for factory farms, otherwise known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), would be delayed from July 31, 2007 until February 27, 2009, approximately one month after the next U.S. President is sworn in. This is the second postponement of the “compliance date” for this new rule. Last year, EPA extended the original April 13, 2006 deadline to July 31, 2007.
Making it someone else’s problem might be a good thing if recent environmental activity is any indication of how this would go. Unfortunately, the rules have been delayed by a period of years already, long past the time when this should have been a done deal. But nothing is too much for industry.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch:
“What a lovely parting gift for the next administration,” exclaimed PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch, noting that EPA staff members working on the proposed new rules are unaware of any new complications that would have justified further delays. “Manure control is hard work but it is not rocket science.”
The EPA statement is here.
