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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Farm Bureau Seeks Summary Judgment in Bay Suit

The American Farm Bureau Federation is seeking summary judgment in its suit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay restoration strategy.
The federation filed the motion Friday in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania, where it is challenging the new federally led strategy. The motion, which seeks judgment before the case goes to trial, says the EPA is overstepping its authority by mandating the states develop and stick to tougher pollution limits. The motion says the strategy encroaches on the states' authority and is not authorized under the federal Clean Water Act.
The motion also argues the model used to develop the strategy is flawed.
Farmers and agriculture interests are concerned about the strategy because agriculture is the single largest source of bay pollutants, according to the EPA's Chesapeake Bay model.
"We all want a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "This lawsuit is about how we reach that common goal. Farm Bureau believes EPA's new regulation is unlawful and costly without providing the environmental benefit promised. Farmers in the watershed have clearly delivered a documented track record of continuous improvement, through conservation and sound stewardship and will continue their dedicated efforts."
Joining AFBF as plaintiffs in the case are the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, The Fertilizer Institute, National Pork Producers Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Chicken Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Turkey Federation, and the National Association of Home Builders

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