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

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.