Alabama congressman says don’t believe “cow” tax

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today made the following statement on reports that the EPA may create an emissions tax on farm livestock.

“Any farming regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act is something that would harm many of our farmers, and fortunately, this rumor will not be a reality, as it appears to be unsubstantiated.  The EPA has informed me that this idea of a “livestock emissions tax” was never seriously considered and has no chance of being proposed to Congress as reality. In addition, the National Cattlemen’s Associations has been unable to substantiate the reports that the EPA is planning to impose a tax on cattle and hog farmers. This theory has caused undue duress and worry for many farmers and I would encourage Alabama’s agriculture community to not be alarmed by the idea of a tax on their livestock. I will continue to monitor the situation in case there is an update.”

“Agriculture is the economic foundation for many Alabama communities and farming continues to be an important part of our everyday life. I have fought against unrealistic farming constraints for years, including cosponsoring a 2005 bill to lift EPA regulations on livestock waste, and I will continue to do my best in Washington to represent the hard-working citizens who labor in and support the farming industry.”