The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) has voiced concerns over a new rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stating that it could lead to "costly water filtration upgrades" which might "bankrupt" small meat processors and have indirect effects on the nation's food supply.
According to a press release from the KNRC, the EPA's proposal "threatens small meat processors." The coalition suggests that the water filtration updates required by this proposed change would necessitate "large capital investments" and "costly annual maintenance fees," thereby impacting facilities' ability to stay in business. The KNRC warns that these additional costs could be passed onto producers and consumers, potentially affecting the country's food supply. It further states that while the EPA's existing rule applies to approximately 155 plants across the country, the proposed change would extend its reach to around 3,879 more facilities.
In its press release, the KNRC argues that "Government at every level should strive to foster a regulatory environment, which protects and enhances competition and allows entry into the market." It criticizes the EPA for failing to consider the cumulative regulatory impacts of this rule in conjunction with multiple other regulatory actions through various Federal departments and agencies pursuant to executive climate policy significantly affecting producers and consumers of meat products. The coalition also revealed plans to submit comments on this proposal into record on March 25.
According to information available on EPA's website, this proposal pertains to pollutants from meat and poultry products facilities that are discharged into water. The proposed change aims at imposing stricter limitations on existing direct dischargers of nitrogen and creating limitations for phosphorus discharging. One option under consideration would apply restrictions to an additional number of direct and indirect dischargers, while another option proposes pretreatment standards for nitrogen and phosphorus for several indirect discharging facilities. The EPA accepted public comments on this proposal until March 25.
As per its website, KNRC serves as a conduit between local, state, and federal government. The coalition's mission is to support "balanced, necessary and effective administrative policymaking." It monitors and analyzes developments that impact the natural and human systems within its member counties.
