The Idaho Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee voted 5-3 earlier this month to send a bill for a vote by the Senate requiring state officials to consider economic ramifications when imposing pollution regulations on farms and ranches.
The Associated Press reported that backers of the bill stated, “Regulations shouldn’t be so onerous that they force ranches, farms and companies out of business,” and economic considerations should be in addition to rules protecting the environment. Bob Naerebout of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association told lawmakers that the industry wants to abide by regulations, “but if those are not economically sustainable, then those shouldn’t be put in place.”
In addition to the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, the bill is supported by Idaho Cattle Association, J.R. Simplot Co. and other agricultural groups. Opponents of the bill state manure contains phosphorus, which can pollute waterways and jeopardize state control of water pollution.
