Changes to state and federal air quality standards and lawsuits driven by environmental groups impact farms by forcing the development of regulation and law in the absence of peer-reviewed science. We insist government air quality policies be based on peer-reviewed science and consider economic impact.
Federal and state standards for ozone, particulate matter (dust), nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and others consider agricultural practices such as livestock production facilities, fuel combustion, diesel emissions, and dust from soil tillage, crop harvesting, grain mills, grain elevators and value-added processing plants as potential sources of air quality concerns.
We urge Michigan Farm Bureau to seek out university research on agricultural air quality standards and best management practices. We urge MFB to work with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to recognize normal agricultural production practices and the associated air particulate generated.
We support:
- MFB educating members on air quality and how this issue impacts members and Michigan agriculture.
- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as lead agency for agricultural air quality concerns.
- Provisions in the Michigan Right to Farm Act and Michigan Agricultural Processing Act that protect farmers and processors following the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices and Generally Accepted Processing Practices to address air quality concerns.
- A scientific, practice-based approach to meet air quality objectives.
- Re-evaluation of emissions standards for farm and ranch equipment and other non-highway use machinery.
We oppose:
- Air emission permits for agriculture that are more stringent than federal rules and regulations and are not science or practice-based.
- Applying air quality regulations to areas of Michigan that are not pollution sources. Pollutants measured in areas of Michigan not meeting air quality standards may originate in urban/industrial settings far removed from the monitored area. Air quality concerns should be addressed at their source.
- Enforcing air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter on farms and agricultural businesses voluntarily implementing effective environmental conservation practices.
- Further emission control requirements for agricultural equipment and practices.
- Banning the burning of biodegradable household waste.