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Lawmakers consider changes to livestock rulesDES MOINES, Iowa (AP)--Iowa lawmakers are considering a proposal that would overhaul the state's livestock laws in hopes of reducing the threat to the state's environment. The bill, passed by the House Environmental Protection Committee March 8, would distance expanding livestock farms from homes, water supplies and tourist areas and abandons talk of giving local governments control over livestock operations. The state is the nation's largest producer of hogs, finishing 25 million a year, but hog and cattle farms have been blamed for fish kills in nearby streams and neighbors have complained about respiratory irritations and odors they link to the farms. The legislation gives special protection to tourism areas such as the Iowa Great Lakes and Clear Lake by preventing construction of livestock confinements within a set distance of the areas. More separation distance would be required between farms and high-quality waterways, too. Applications to build within that minimum distance won't automatically be rejected, but the producer would have to undergo an odor assessment by Iowa State University. The state could turn down a project if there is "a preponderance of evidence" that it would have a negative effect on nearby residents or a protected location. Rep. Steve Olson, R-De Witt, said he voted against the bill because he believes it would make it more difficult to expand the state's livestock industry. Rep. Mark Kuhn, D-Charles City, said he doesn't think the bill would keep livestock operations from growing or prospering. State farm groups are lobbying against the measure. Eldon McAfee, a lawyer for the Iowa Pork Producers Association, said hog farmers believe current laws are enough to control pollution. The new bill ignores other sources that are bigger threats, such as industrial plants and municipal facilities, he said. B 13 3/25/07 6 Star Midwest Ag Date: 3/21/07
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