Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) are large livestock and poultry operations that raise animals in a confined situation. CAFOs may improve the efficiency of animal production, but the large amounts of manure they produce can, if improperly managed, degrade air and water quality. The EPA requires CAFOs that discharge certain pollutants to obtain a permit. This testimony summarizes the findings of a Sept. 4, 2008 report on: (1) trends in CAFOs; (2) amounts of waste they generate; (3) findings of key research on CAFOs¿ health and environmental impacts; (4) progress made in developing CAFO air emissions protocols; and (5) the effect of recent court decisions on EPA¿s regulation of CAFO water pollutants.
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) are large livestock and poultry operations that raise animals in a confined situation. CAFOs may improve the efficiency of animal production, but the large amounts of manure they produce can, if improperly managed, degrade air and water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates CAFOs and requires CAFOs that discharge certain pollutants to obtain a permit.This testimony summarizes the findings of a September 4, 2008 GAO report (GAO-08-944) on (1) trends in CAFOs, (2) amounts of waste they generate, (3) findings of key research on CAFOs' health and environmental impacts, (4) progress made in developing CAFO air emissions protocols, and (5) the effect of recent court decisions on EPA's regulation of CAFO water pollutants. GAO analyzed U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) data from 1982 through 2002 for large farms as a proxy for CAFOs; reviewed studies, EPA documents, laws, and regulations, and obtained the views of federal and state officials.In the September 2008 report, GAO
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) are large livestock and poultry operations that raise animals in a confined situation. CAFOs can improve the efficiency of animal production but large amounts of manure can degrade air and water quality. The EPA is responsible for regulating CAFOs and requires CAFOs that discharge certain pollutants to obtain a permit. This report discusses: (1) trends in CAFOs over the past 30 years; (2) amounts of waste they generate; (3) findings of key research on CAFOs¿ health and environmental impacts; (4) EPA¿s progress in developing CAFO air emissions protocols; and (5) effect of recent court decisions on EPA¿s regulation of CAFO water pollutants. Includes recommendations. Illustrations.
Over the past 25 years, farmers have received a decreasing share of the consumer food dollar. Some analysts and farm interest groups are concerned that this decline can be attributed, in part, to increasing concentration in ag. Firms in highly concentrated markets may be able to exert market power by raising retail food prices while also depressing prices farmers receive for ag. commodities. This report provides info. on: (1) trends in concentration for various levels of the food marketing chain in major ag. sectors; (2) trends in retail food expenditures and prices; (3) trends in prices farmers received for major ag. commodities; and (4) the views of experts on the potential effects of concentration on ag. commodity and food prices. Illustrations.
Concentrated animal feeding operations : EPA needs more information and a clearly defined strategy to protect air and water quality from pollutants of concern : report to Congressional requesters
Looks at the economics of animal food production through an examination of meat consumption's effects on personal health, the environment, and animal welfare and the animal food industry's control over legislation and regulation.
It is zero hour for a new US water policy! At a time when many countries are adopting new national approaches to water management, the United States still has no cohesive federal policy, and water-related authorities are dispersed across more than 30 agencies. Here, at last, is a vision for what we as a nation need to do to manage our most vital resource. In this book, leading thinkers at world-class water research institution the Pacific Institute present clear and readable analysis and recommendations for a new federal water policy to confront our national and global challenges at a critical time. What exactly is at stake? In the 21st century, pressures on water resources in the United States are growing and conflicts among water users are worsening. Communities continue to struggle to meet water quality standards and to ensure that safe drinking water is available for all. And new challenges are arising as climate change and extreme events worsen, new water quality threats materialize, and financial constraints grow. Yet the United States has not stepped up with adequate leadership to address these problems. The inability of national policymakers to safeguard our water makes the United States increasingly vulnerable to serious disruptions of something most of us take for granted: affordable, reliable, and safe water. This book provides an independent assessment of water issues and water management in the United States, addressing emerging and persistent water challenges from the perspectives of science, public policy, environmental justice, economics, and law. With fascinating case studies and first-person accounts of what helps and hinders good water management, this is a clear-eyed look at what we need for a 21st century U.S. water policy.
