U.S. Activists File Lawsuit against EPA over Livestock Database Rule

Aug 28, 2013

U.S. Activists File Lawsuit against EPA over Livestock Database Rule

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

A coalition of animal and environmental activist groups have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over a livestock rule which would have allowed them access to information on farm locations and sizes.

The groups argue that collecting information on animal population sizes of livestock farms is necessary in order to protect waterways from livestock pollutants. EPA withdrew the rule after livestock ranchers raised alarm over harassment and releasing too much information which could pose a threat to the nation’s food supply.

In 2012 several activist organizations were able obtain such information through a Freedom of Information Act request. The groups will make the case that failing to gather size and locations will hinder the agency’s ability to regulate the farming industry.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.