A proposed amendment to new farm legislation paves the way for the federal government to eliminate individual state agricultural laws that protect consumers, animals and agricultural workers. Presented by U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), the amendment would also grant federal regulators the authority to change any state law regarding agriculture.
If adopted, the amendment diminishes the ability of state leaders to create agricultural rules and guidelines without federal approval. Opponents to the amendment are charging it violates the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects states’ sovereign rights.
Laws in Texas that regulate wastewater permitting for concentrated animal feeding operations could be ruled invalid, according to Southwest Farm Press. The state rules could be replaced by federal laws regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The amendment could also prevent the Texas Animal Health Commission’s ability to test incoming livestock for brucellosis and tuberculosis at state border inspection stations.
The conference committee will determine whether the amendment will move forward to Congress as part of the final farm bill.