Aderholt Co-Sponsors Legislation To Prevent Taxes on Farm Greenhouse Gas

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ADERHOLT CO-SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO PREVENT TAXES ON FARM GREENHOUSE GAS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today announced that he has co-sponsored an Amendment that would prevent the regulation or taxation of Farming gas emissions.

As of now, greenhouse gases and farm emissions are not subject to Environment Protection Agency regulation through the Clean Air Act, however the Greenhouse Gas Amendment co-sponsored by Rep. Aderholt would put into law that greenhouse gases not become subject to the Clean Air Act at any time in the future.

“Agriculture is a vitally important component of Alabama’s economy, and this Greenhouse Gas Amendment would provide the necessary protection against unnecessary regulation for our farmers,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I have fought against unrealistic farming constraints for years and I will continue to do my best to represent the hard-working citizens who labor in the farming industry.”

The Amendment co-sponsored by Rep. Aderholt would protect farmers against taxation of fertilizer emissions and the so-called “cow tax”.

The Clean Air Act is the law that defines EPA's responsibilities for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer. The last major change in the law, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, was enacted by Congress in 1990. Since 1990, there have been several minor changes to this legislation.

In November, the EPA announced that their “Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” study on Farming emissions did not recommend the use of any particular Clean Air Act authority, regulate any emissions, nor commit to specific next steps to address Agricultural greenhouse gases.

The Greenhouse Gas Amendment (HR 391) has been signed by 40 Congressmen, and it has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.