Action Alert Senator Craig is going to offer an amendment to exempt CAFOs from requirements to report toxic chemical releases. When you call explain that you oppose exempting large livestock operations from toxic chemical reporting. We want Senator Harkin to take a leading role in fighting this amendment. The Sierra Club believes that this is coming up as an amendment to EPA's appropriations bill on Tuesday. Senator Harkin is on the Appropriations committee. The Senate switchboard number is 202-224-3121. While a call to the D.C. offices you may call a state office. The numbers are: Des Moines 515-284-4574 DC 202-224-3254 Cedar Rapids 319-365-4504 Davenport 563-322-1338 Dubuque 563-582-2130 Sioux City 712-252-1550 The amendment would exempt larger livestock operations from having to report their toxic emssions, like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Small facilities don't create enough emissions to report, but the larger facilities can release as much toxic chemicals into the air as chemical factories. According to the Iowa Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Air Quality Study, "Hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are recognized degradation products of animal manure and urine. Both of these gases have been measured in the general vicinity of livestock operations at concentrations of potential health concern for rural residents, under prolonged exposure." The state of Iowa is beginning to take steps to address air pollution from CAFOs. This amendment would undermine state efforts to protect people's health. We want Senator Harkin to take a leading role in fighting this amendment. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Make your voice heard! Find out how to get Take Action Alerts and other important Sierra Club messages by email at: http://www.sierraclub.org/email