For Immediate Release                    December 16, 2002
Contact:  Seth Boffeli                            202-224-9482
HARKIN STATEMENT ON EPA RULE ON CAFO'S
"This rule, on paper at least, is a muddled result, without a clear path
to a
cleaner environment. I have serious doubts whether this administration's

decision will help or hinder cleaning up the environment in Iowa --
where we
have a serious problem with over 150 polluted bodies of water -- and
across our
nation. We do not have to choose between modern livestock and poultry
production
and a cleaner environment.
"The key question is whether there will be strong enforcement to meet
environmental standards and keep manure from polluting streams, lakes
and ground
water. Flexibility is essential, but without strong enforcement that
flexiblity
can open up loopholes big enough to drive a manure wagon through.
"Unfortunately, EPA ducked its responsibility to hold large
agri-business firms
responsible for environmental damage from manure. EPA's out-of-sight,
out-of-mind approach will let Smithfield or DeCoster off the hook if
only they
contract with someone else to feed their hogs or haul away the manure to
other
fields.
"Today's announcement makes the new farm bill's funding for animal waste

management and other conservation practices all the more critical. I
will
continue to fight to see that USDA and the White House fully implement
these
voluntary, incentive-based programs as Congress intended."

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