“Nebraska Cattlemen members across the state appreciate Congressman Jeff Fortenberry introducing legislation that would prevent taxation of gas emitted by livestock,” said Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey.

In a document released last summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified regulating livestock emissions as an option in addressing greenhouse gas concerns. The EPA has also stated that all livestock produce only 2 percent of greenhouse gases. 

“As climate change issues are debated, the consideration of a tax on natural livestock emissions is unreasonable and peculiar,” Fortenberry said.

“On the climate change front, it is clear that we must fully integrate conservation, new technologies, and a variety of renewable sources into our energy strategy, and sound agricultural practices can play a critical role in good land stewardship,” Fortenberry said. “But it would be unwise to have punitive measures against natural emissions from livestock.”

The Fortenberry bill would protect agricultural producers from livestock emissions fines or fees proposed by any federal agency.

“We raised our concerns to Representative Fortenberry and we appreciate his proactive action on behalf of common sense, the Nebraska economy and cattle producers here,” Kelsey said.

The Nebraska Cattlemen association is a grassroots organization whose individual producer members determine issues of inportance to the state beef industry. NC performs three basic functions. First, the association represents the beef cattle industry to the legislative and administrative branches of the state and federal governments. Second, it explains beef production (including safety of the product, use of natural resources, care of animals and beef economics) to the public and opinion influencers. Third, it provides economic and other information to members to aid them in their own planning and management. Each member has the opportunity to influence state cattlemen's association policy and priorities through participation in councils and committees. NC programs are financed by dues invested by individual members.