Pennsylvania has implemented a new environmental justice policy that could affect livestock operations. The policy aims to protect people from being disproportionately affected by pollution and climate disasters because of factors such as income and race.
The policy designates "environmental justice areas" in census blocks that have elevated pollution levels and are home to vulnerable populations. These areas receive enhanced opportunities for public input on certain permits, including those for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
It is unclear if the existing CAFO permitting process will satisfy the environmental justice criteria or if more outreaches will be required. Farm groups are also concerned about the composition of the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, which is dominated by academics and environmental organizations and does not have any representatives from agriculture.
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has called for agriculture to be exempt from any environmental justice policies, arguing that existing permitting is already too complex and time-consuming.
DEP will hold listening sessions next month to gather input on its new environmental justice plan. Farm groups plan to participate and ask questions about how the policy will affect livestock operations.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, General