Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) have introduced the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act that would prohibit the EPA from issuing Clean Air Act permits for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).  The proposed Act would restrain the EPA from effectively regulating emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

In commenting on the proposed legislation, Senator Thune said “farmers should not be subject to onerous regulations and costly permit fees for their animals’ emissions which could ultimately lead to higher food costs for consumers.”  Senator Sinema stated, “Cutting unnecessary regulations, frees Arizona cattlemen from costly permit expenses and keeps prices affordable for Arizona families.”  The proposed legislation is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Dairy Farmer Cooperative, and other industry groups.  The Livestock Regulatory Protection Act was first introduced in 2009 and has been included in appropriations legislation for 12 years without adoption.