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Stockgrowers thank Thune for "cow tax" prevention billSouth Dakota The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association appreciates Senator Thune's, R-SD, bill (S.527) that is meant to prevent the introduction of a "cow tax." According to SDSGA President Larry Nelson, Buffalo, S.D., the Environmental Protection Agency talked last year of regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, which could include requiring cattle producers as well as dairy and hog farmers to purchase expensive permits. "The EPA mentioned charging producers $87.50 per cow. That is absolutely insane. While we understand that the EPA is not at this time planning to act on this ridiculous idea, we are happy to learn that Senator Thune is taking preventative measures to stop the idea in its tracks," said Nelson. "The cattle industry is already in tough financial shape, and with the added strain of a 'gas tax' by the EPA, many producers would be unable to make ends meet. What this country needs is incentives for small business owners, like ranchers, to keep operating, not regulations that make it impossible to do so," said Nelson. According to Senator Thune's news release, "The Clean Air Act was written to curb pollution from smokestack industries, not to regulate livestock production in South Dakota or elsewhere," said Thune. "Livestock producers do not need another burdensome regulation to worry about, and this legislation would ensure that the 'cow tax' never becomes a reality. The Stockgrowers urge producers to contact Senators from other states to encourage their support for S.527. The Stockgrowers also plan to continue to monitor the EPA regarding this and other issues.
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