Agriculture Needs to Be Heard: Support AFPI's Amicus Brief on the EPA Endangerment Finding
At AGPROfessionals, we find ourselves in the unique position of asking farmers and ranchers to support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a lawsuit. The EPA, under the current administration, is defending its decision in court to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding. Removing the 2009 Endangerment Finding closed the door that had opened to governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) subjecting farmers and ranchers to egregious and politically motivated regulations and lawsuits.
The 2009 Endangerment Finding declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare. That determination became the legal basis for numerous federal regulations affecting transportation, agriculture, energy production, manufacturing, and other sectors of the economy.
The Endangerment Finding has been used to justify regulations that increased costs across the agricultural supply chain, including regulations affecting vehicles, power generation, and energy production. These policies have contributed to higher equipment costs, fuel prices, electricity rates, and fertilizer expenses that directly impact agricultural operations.
Perhaps most importantly for livestock producers, the Endangerment Finding included methane emissions within its scope. We believe that retaining the finding leaves open the possibility that future administrations could pursue direct greenhouse gas regulations on cattle and other livestock operations.
The EPA's recent decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding represents a significant policy shift in favor of agriculture. However, that decision is now being challenged in court.
The Lawsuit
A coalition of 24 states and environmental activist NGOs filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the EPA’s decision to remove the Endangerment Finding and, therefore, to reinstate the pathway to continue to push stifling regulations. If successful, the lawsuit could restore the legal foundation for a wide range of consequential federal greenhouse gas regulations that affect nearly every aspect of agricultural production.
These lawmakers and NGOs are engaging in this lawsuit for purely political reasons, not on a scientific basis. This is more than a regulatory debate taking place in Washington, D.C. The outcome could influence future policies affecting fuel costs, equipment costs, energy prices, transportation, fertilizer expenses, and potentially livestock production for years to come.
Amicus Brief Prepared by America First Policy Institute
An amicus brief, often referred to as a "friend of the court" brief, allows individuals and organizations that may be affected by a legal decision to provide information and perspective to the court. America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is preparing an amicus brief supporting the EPA's rescission of the Endangerment Finding. AFPI is seeking participation from farmers, ranchers, agricultural businesses, landowners, and others connected to agriculture.
AGPROfessionals is encouraging agricultural producers, rural landowners, agricultural businesses, and industry stakeholders to lend their names and voices to AFPI’s amicus brief in support of the EPA's recent action to remove the Endangerment Finding. Participation does not require legal action, financial contributions, or future commitments. It simply allows your name and perspective to be included among those informing the court about how regulatory decisions impact agriculture and rural America.
Take Action - Agriculture Must Speak for Itself
Because of the lawsuit filed against the EPA over the Endangerment Finding, American agriculture is facing a legal battle with significant consequences for farmers, ranchers, landowners, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the country. Too often, major legal and regulatory battles affecting agriculture proceed without sufficient input from the people most directly impacted. Courts frequently hear from activist organizations, political interests, and regulatory agencies. Farmers, ranchers, landowners, and agricultural businesses must ensure their perspectives are represented as well. The people who produce food, manage working lands, care for livestock, and support rural economies understand the practical consequences of regulatory decisions better than anyone else.
Our voices must be heard, and signing onto the amicus brief prepared by AFPI is a critical step we can all take. By participating, you can help ensure that the court hears directly from the people who live and work with the consequences of these policies every day.
Agriculture's future should not be decided without our voice.
To be included in the amicus brief or to learn more, contact
Karen Gerfen Glueck at AGPROfessionals – kareng@agpros.com
America First Policy Institute - Tellis@AmericaFirstPolicy.com