Springfield Standard

WASHINGTON- Representatives Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) and Ron Estes (R-KS-04) have introduced the Banning EPA's Encroachment of Facilities (BEEF) Act, a bill aimed at protecting small family-owned meat and poultry processors from new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The proposed rule, titled "Clean Water Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Meat and Poultry Products Point source category," would expand regulations and impose burdensome testing requirements on these businesses.

According to Rep. Burlison, the new EPA regulation is not only an attack on family-run small businesses but also on rural communities. He states, "These meat and poultry processors are the lifeblood of our communities and instead of supporting them, the Biden EPA is on the attack." Rep. Estes echoes this sentiment, saying, "Biden's EPA is using its rulemaking pen to attack small businesses in Kansas and across the country."

The BEEF Act seeks to alleviate the burdens imposed by the new EPA regulation by prohibiting the EPA from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing it. Rep. Burlison emphasizes that the bill cuts through bureaucratic obstacles and allows hardworking Americans to produce safe and affordable food for families. He concludes, "The BEEF Act lets these hardworking Americans do what they do best."

The EPA's proposed rule, introduced in December 2023, aims to strengthen regulations on discharges from meat and poultry facilities. The rule expands regulations to include phosphorus discharge and sets new standards for oil, organic material, salt, ammonia, and nitrogen. However, opponents argue that the rule is an example of the left's push for more government control without considering the impact on the farming community.

Support for the BEEF Act comes from various organizations and individuals. Garrett Hawkins, President of the Missouri Farm Bureau, expresses gratitude to Rep. Burlison for taking the initiative to roll back the onerous mandate by the EPA. He states, "Missouri livestock producers and consumers benefit from meat processors in rural communities across our state."

The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) also fully supports the legislation proposed by Representatives Burlison and Estes. Chris Young, Executive Director of AAMP, acknowledges the need for environmental responsibility but criticizes the flaws in the proposed rule. He believes that the EPA rushed the rule without fully understanding the industry and calls for more collaboration with the industry to find cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Tom Eickman, Owner of Eickman's Processing Inc. and President of AAMP, emphasizes the importance of a better understanding of the industry as a whole to develop effective rules that protect the environment while allowing food production. He criticizes the one-size-fits-all approach of the proposed regulation and highlights the rushed timeline imposed by a court settlement.

The Missouri Association of Meat Processors, representing nearly 140 small meat processors, expresses concerns that many of its members would be forced to discontinue operations due to the expensive wastewater treatment equipment required by the proposed rule. Niki Cloud, Executive Secretary of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors, states, "We fear that many of our members would be forced to discontinue operations rather than pay for expensive wastewater treatment equipment that they may not even need because the EPA has not considered small processors in its proposal."

The Kansas Meat Processors Association also shares similar concerns. They believe that the proposed changes would be detrimental to the processing industry and other agricultural-related fields in Kansas. They question the necessity of imposing the same guidelines on all processing facilities regardless of their size and call for more scientific evidence to support the proposed changes.

The BEEF Act has garnered support from co-sponsors, including Representatives Andy Ogles (R-TN-05) and Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11). The bill aims to protect small family-owned meat and poultry processors from burdensome regulations and ensure their continued contribution to local communities and the economy.